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Where is native copper found in nature?

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A periodic table element box for copper shows its symbol Cu, atomic number 29, atomic weight 63.546, electron configuration, and name. Icons indicate copper is a solid, weakly basic transition metal with face-centered cubic crystal structure. A key explains the symbols and color coding. — copper Properties of copper.

Native copper is the metal found in its unadulterated, elemental state in nature. While it is less common than copper found in combined mineral forms (such as sulfides or oxides), it occurs in several geological environments.12

One notable location for native copper is the Lake Superior region of Michigan in the United States. In this area, the metal is found within interbedded conglomerates and basaltic lava flows. Within the basalt, native copper fills vesicles and cavities in the rock, while in the conglomerate, it occupies the spaces between pebbles and replaces some smaller rock fragments.3

More generally, native copper is found as a primary mineral in basaltic lavas. It can also form through the reduction of various copper compounds, including arsenides, chlorides, carbonates, and sulfides. While these occurrences are significant, it is important to note that the majority of the world's copper production comes from porphyry copper deposits, where the metal is chemically combined with other elements rather than existing in its native state.214