Copper

Real mineral · uncommon · Cu

One of the first metals used by humans, occurring in native form in basaltic environments. Develops a characteristic green patina of carbonates and sulfates upon surface oxidation. The parent metal of malachite and azurite.

Identity

Formula

Cu

Chemical class

native_element

Mineral group

Gold, Silver

Also known as

Native copper, Cuprum

Crystallography

Crystal system

cubic

Habits

massive, dendritic, cubic, octahedral

Fracture

hackly

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

2.5

Density

8.9 g/cm³

Luster

metallic

Colors

orange-red, reddish brown

Streak

copper-red

Transparency

opaque

Geology

Origins

hydrothermal, sedimentary

Host rocks

basalt, sandstone, limestone

Associated minerals

Malachite, Azurite, Chalcopyrite, Cuprite

Geography

USA (Michigan), Chile, Zambia, Russia

Classification

Rarity

uncommon

Gem quality

No

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