Mineral of the Month: Copper
by Joshua Taylor
Copper is a common metal that can be found in almost all electronics around the world. Due to its conductivity, malleability, and usefulness we’ve used it throughout our histo-ry. First seen used in the copper age for tools to now as wiring and in electronics. This metal ranging from an orange metallic color to a range of bluish green colors when it starts to oxidize can be found in many regions around the world paired with many other minerals such as azurite, malachite, and sulfides like chalcopyrite or chalcocite.
While found in many regions, South American countries have some of the leading cop-per reserves more than any other country with Chile and Peru being in the top and sec-ond position. However, the US does have its own copper reserves having main sources come from western and northern states like Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Michigan and Mon-tana. A great place for mineral collectors to go out on their own is to find native copper in Michigan. However, do note that copper and secondary minerals along with the metal can lead to heavy metal poisoning or copper toxicity if you ingest or inhale particulates of the mineral during long-term exposure. So, when mining for native copper or han-dling the mineral be sure to wear gloves and a mask for health safety.
References:
(n.d.). “Copper.” Royal Society of Chemistry. https://periodic-table.rsc.org/element/29/copper (Reviewed on January 30th, 2026)
Britannica Editors. (2026) "Copper." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/copper. (Reviewed on January 30th, 2026)
by Joshua Taylor
Copper is a common metal that can be found in almost all electronics around the world. Due to its conductivity, malleability, and usefulness we’ve used it throughout our histo-ry. First seen used in the copper age for tools to now as wiring and in electronics. This metal ranging from an orange metallic color to a range of bluish green colors when it starts to oxidize can be found in many regions around the world paired with many other minerals such as azurite, malachite, and sulfides like chalcopyrite or chalcocite.
While found in many regions, South American countries have some of the leading cop-per reserves more than any other country with Chile and Peru being in the top and sec-ond position. However, the US does have its own copper reserves having main sources come from western and northern states like Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Michigan and Mon-tana. A great place for mineral collectors to go out on their own is to find native copper in Michigan. However, do note that copper and secondary minerals along with the metal can lead to heavy metal poisoning or copper toxicity if you ingest or inhale particulates of the mineral during long-term exposure. So, when mining for native copper or han-dling the mineral be sure to wear gloves and a mask for health safety.
References:
(n.d.). “Copper.” Royal Society of Chemistry. https://periodic-table.rsc.org/element/29/copper (Reviewed on January 30th, 2026)
Britannica Editors. (2026) "Copper." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/copper. (Reviewed on January 30th, 2026)
Copper: Locality: US
Joshua Taylor Collection
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Copper: Locality: US
Joshua Taylor Collection
|