Native Copper
Copper (Native Element) · Mineral Specimen / Industrial Mineral
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); commonly found in massive, branching (dendritic), wire-like (filiform), or sheet-formed habits rather than distinct cubes.
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
Cu (uncombined copper element, often with trace Ag, Fe, or As)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal deposition from copper-rich fluids in volcanic cavities (basalt vesicles) and sedimentary rocks, or as a secondary mineral in oxidation zones of copper ore deposits.
About This Crystal
Opaque metal manifesting a characteristic reddish-orange to 'copper' brown color. The specimen shown displays a massive, irregular texture with a dull to sub-metallic luster, likely due to surface oxidation (tarnish). Typical surfaces are rough, pitted, and may transition to green (malachite) or black (cuprite/tenorite) over time.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Copper-red; Streak: Metallic copper-red; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly (jagged); Specific Gravity: 8.94; Tenacity: Highly ductile and malleable; Non-magnetic; Non-fluorescent.
Optical Properties
Opaque (no refractive index in the standard sense for gemstones); Metallic luster; displays high reflectivity when freshly cut or polished.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan (USA); Tsumeb, Namibia; and various copper deposits in Arizona (USA), Chile, and Australia.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 2.5 - 3.0. Highly durable against shattering (high toughness) due to its metallic bonding, but easily scratched by most other minerals and metals.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to high humidity, acids, and household chemicals which cause rapid oxidation or corrosion. Clean with a soft dry cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners. Store in a cool, dry environment with silica gel to prevent the formation of green patina.
Rarity & Value
Common globally but high-quality dendritic or crystalline specimens are sought after by collectors. Value is determined by specimen aesthetics, weight, and purity. Rarely treated, though often cleaned with mild acids to remove oxidation.
Special Characteristics
Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Notable for its 'hackly' fracture where jagged edges are felt when handled. Can form pseudomorphs after other minerals.
Lore & History
One of the first metals ever worked by humans (dating back over 10,000 years). Historically linked to Venus in alchemy due to its lustrous beauty and associated with the Cypriot bronze age. In folklore, it is believed to bridge the gap between spirits and the physical world and is traditionally used in 'healing tools' to assist with circulation and joint pain (beliefs not scientifically verified).