mineral

Native Copper

Native Copper (Cu)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Copper-red to dull brown; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 8.9

Hardness: 2
Color: Copper-red to dull brown
Luster: Metallic

Identified June 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Copper-red to dull brown; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 8.9

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal solutions in the cavities of volcanic basalt or through the oxidation of copper sulfides in the presence of carbonates and silica.

Uses & applications

Primary source of industrial electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics; also used in decorative jewelry and as a sought-after mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Copper was the first metal to be worked by humans around 8,000 BCE. The largest deposits of native copper in the world were found in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density, 'copper-red' color on a fresh surface, and its malleability (it can be bent or dented with a hammer without shattering). Commonly found in volcanic regions and oxidized zones of copper ore bodies.