Native Copper
Image: “Jon Zander (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Digon3" title="User:Digon3">Digon3</a>)" (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameNative Copper
Chemical FormulaCu
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorcopper-red
Cleavagenone
Fracturehackly
Specific Gravity8.94
Colorscopper-red, brown, green, black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityKeweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Useselectrical conductor, coinage, plumbing, jewelry, collector
Associated Mineralscuprite, malachite, azurite, calcite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This image displays a macro view of a native copper specimen, approximately 4 cm in size, showcasing its characteristic bright copper-red color and an intricate, dendritic or arborescent growth habit.
Geological Context
Native copper typically forms in basaltic lava flows, where hydrothermal fluids deposit the metal in amygdules and fissures, or in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits.
