Copper
| Colour | Orange, Brown, Red |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2.5–3 |
| Lustre | Metallic |
| Streak | Copper-red |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Hackly |
| Chemical formula | Cu |
| Specific gravity | 8.9 |
What is Copper?
Copper is a chemical element; it has symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color. Copper is used as a conductor of heat and electricity, as a building material, and as a constituent of various metal alloys, such as sterling silver used in jewelry, cupronickel used to make marine hardware and coins, and constantan used in strain gauges and thermocouples for temperature measurement.
How to identify Copper
- Lustre: Metallic.
- Hardness: Mohs 2.5–3 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Copper-red.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Copper in different forms
Stones often confused with Copper
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Copper?
Copper is Mohs 2.5–3 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Copper?
Copper is typically orange, brown, red.