Native Copper
Native Copper (IMA-approved mineral name: Copper) · Mineral Specimen / Industrial Mineral
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); typically occurs as massive, branching arborescent, or filliform (wire-like) growths; well-formed cubes or octahedrons are rare.
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
Cu (pure elemental copper, often containing trace silver, arsenic, or bismuth)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal or secondary enrichment; often forms through the reduction of copper-rich solutions in the cavities of volcanic rocks or within the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits.
About This Crystal
An opaque, metallic mineral with a distinct reddish-brown 'copper' color on fresh surfaces, often weathering to a dull brown or green patina. It exhibits a metallic luster and can appear as irregular, chunky, or tree-like branching masses.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Copper-red to brown; Streak: Metallic copper-red; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly (jagged); Specific Gravity: 8.94 (very dense); Tenacity: Malleable and ductile; Fluorescence: None.
Optical Properties
Opaque; Metallic luster; No refractive index (as it is a metal); High reflectivity but lacks the transparency required for gemstone optical phenomena.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan (USA); Tsumeb, Namibia; Cornwall, England; and Atacama Desert, Chile. Found in basaltic lavas or sedimentary rocks.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 2.5–3.0; Toughness: Very high (malleable, dents rather than shatters); Wearability: Low for faceted jewelry, often used in wire-wrap or decorative arts.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners or harsh chemicals which induce rapid corrosion. Clean with a soft dry cloth; avoid high humidity to prevent the formation of green tarnish (litharge/malachite oxidation).
Rarity & Value
Relatively common globally, though high-quality crystallized specimens are collector items. Value is driven by specimen aesthetics/form rather than weight; raw copper is priced by commodity market rates.
Special Characteristics
Ductility (can be drawn into wires) and Malleability (can be hammered into sheets); High electrical and thermal conductivity; Pseudomorphs of copper after other minerals are possible.
Lore & History
Used by humans for over 10,000 years, marking the transition from the Stone Age to the Copper Age. Symbolically associated with the planet Venus and the flow of energy; traditionally believed to aid circulation and joint health in folklore.