Native
copper from AZ
Native
copper from Michigan.
A Native Copper sheet from the Ray Mine, AZ
Dendritic growth of Copper
crystals.
Dendritic growths of Copper
included in Gypsum. From Pima County, AZ
Native Copper in Breccia
from the Ray Mine, Arizona in which the copper is the binding mineral (cement)
that holds the rock together.
CHEMISTRY Cu Copper
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY Isometric (Cubic)
CRYSTAL GROWTH AND HABITS Copper is found as cubes modified by dodecahedrons and as tetrahedrons. Crystals are often flattened and elongated. Copper also forms twisted wires, arborescent forms and may be massive.
COLOR AND OTHER OPTICAL PROPERTIES Color is copper-red on a fresh surface, but quickly tarnishes to a dull luster; opaque.
HARDNESS 2.5 - 3
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 8.9
LUSTER Metallic
STREAK Copper
BREAKABILITY Hackly fracture, highly malleable, sectile and ductile
OCCURRENCE Copper is found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits.
ASSOCIATED MINERALS Cuprite, Azurite, Malachite