Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871368" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871368"><span title="photographer from the United States">Darla Sondrol</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
cubicuncommonNative Elements
Copper
Cu
This specimen displays tarnished, very dark reddish-brown native copper, intergrown with vibrant green malachite and deep blue azurite.
Copper Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
cubicLuster
metallicStreak Color
copper-redCleavage
noneFracture
hacklySpecific Gravity
8.95Colors
copper-red, reddish-brown, dark brown, blackTransparency
opaqueType Locality
Michigan, USA (historically significant); also Bolivia, Russia, AustraliaMineral Group
Native ElementsUses
electrical conductor, coinage, alloys, industrial, collectorAssociated Minerals
malachite, azurite, cuprite, silver, epidote, calcite, quartzRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Native copper forms in various geological settings, including the oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits, in basaltic lavas (e.g., Lake Superior region), and in hydrothermal veins. It can also occur as a primary mineral in some igneous rocks.
