mineral

Native Copper

Native Copper (Cu)

Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Copper-red/orange on fresh surfaces, tarnish to dull brown or green (malachite); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 8.94.

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic

Identified March 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a primary mineral from hydrothermal solutions in volcanic basaltic rocks or as a secondary mineral through the reduction of copper sulfides in oxidized zones of ore deposits. Can be found in Precambrian lavas.

Uses & applications

Primary use in electrical wiring, electronics, and plumbing due to high conductivity. Also used in alloys like brass and bronze, jewelry making, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Copper was the first metal to be worked by humans (starting around 8,000 BCE). The Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan is world-famous for producing massive native copper 'floats' weighing several tons.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive metallic orange color, high density (heavy for its size), and extreme ductility (can be bent or flattened without breaking). Commonly found in the Lake Superior region (USA), Chile, and Namibia.