mineral

Copper

Native Copper (Cu)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Copper-red on fresh surfaces, tarnishes to brown or dull green (verdigris); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 8.94

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic

Identified June 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, basaltic cavities, and the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits. Often associated with volcanic activity where mineral-rich solutions precipitate metal into voids over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primary use in electrical wiring due to high conductivity. Also used in plumbing, alloys like brass and bronze, sculptural art, and construction roofing. High-quality specimens are prized by collectors.

Geological facts

Copper was the first metal ever manipulated by humans, dating back over 10,000 years. It is one of the few metals that occurs in nature in directly usable metallic form (native metal).

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its high density, 'copper-red' streak, malleability (it can be flattened with a hammer rather than shattering), and high electrical conductivity. Commonly found in Upper Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula and Arizona in the US.