Native copper
Tiny grains of pure copper found next to troilite and metal in ordinary chondrites.
Key facts
- Formula
- Cu
- Family
- Metals and alloys
- Crystal system
- Cubic
What it is
Native copper is the element copper in metallic form. In meteorites it forms when copper, dissolved in iron metal or troilite at high temperature, separates out as the rock cools or is shocked.
Where it is found
It occurs as small grains at boundaries between troilite and metal in many ordinary chondrites, especially shocked ones, and in some achondrites and iron meteorites.
How it is recognised
It is pink to copper-coloured and very bright in polished section. Grains are usually only a few micrometres across.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Copper is one of the few metals found in pure form both in meteorites and on Earth.
Did you know?
Shock melting of troilite and metal in a meteorite can produce more copper grains.