TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Cobre

Cobre is a mineral with formula Cu, in the Elementos nativos group. This specimen comes from Mina Rocklands, Cloncurry Shire, Queensland, Australia and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Cobre from Mina Rocklands, Cloncurry Shire, Queensland, Australia — Terrium

Description

Crystallised column of native copper with natural greenish patina in the grooves. Elongate growth with longitudinal striations, irregular texture, and a slight metallic lustre that retains the specimen’s primary character. Well-defined sculptural form, almost like the extremity of an ancient mummy preserved under tundra or ice.

About Cobre

A native metallic element, copper often crystallises in dendritic, massive or filamentary forms. In its pure state it is malleable and highly conductive. It is one of the first metals used by humans.

About the locality

Rocklands Mine is a modern copper and gold operation in Queensland, Australia. Although focused on industrial production, it has occasionally yielded notable specimens of crystallised copper with natural patina.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0099
Composition
Cu
Name
Cobre
Group
Elementos nativos
Category
Estélites
Mine
Mina Rocklands
District / Municipality
Cloncurry Shire
Province
Queensland
Country
Australia
Size (cm)
6.7 x 1.2 x 0.6
Weight
20 g
Acquired
2025
Etymology
From the Latin "cuprum", a name derived from "aes cyprium" ("metal of Cyprus"), referring to the island’s abundance of copper in antiquity.
Quality
Notable
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

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