Copper
Species
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. Malachite and azurite often form beside it in the oxidised zones of copper deposits.
Identity
- Formula
- Cu
- Chemical class
- Native element
- Mineral group
- Gold, Silver
- Also known as
- Native copper, Cuprum
- Ore of
- Copper
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
- copper-red, pale pink, brown, black, green
- Streak
- copper-red
- Transparency
- Opaque
Geology
- Origins
- Hydrothermal, Sedimentary
- Host rocks
- Volcanic rock, Sandstone, shale and clay
- Associated minerals
- Cuprite, Malachite, Azurite, Chalcocite, Silver
- Geography
- USA (Michigan, Arizona), Chile, Namibia, Russia (Urals), Australia, Bolivia
Classification
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Gem quality
- No
Sources
- M. Pasero and others, IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification, The New IMA List of Minerals, updated September 2026. International Mineralogical Association (CNMNC), 2026.
- Native Copper. Mindat.org (Hudson Institute of Mineralogy).
- J. W. Anthony, R. A. Bideaux, K. W. Bladh, M. C. Nichols, Copper. Mineral Data Publishing, Handbook of Mineralogy, 2001.
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