Is copper a mineral?

Copper is a mineral by both the geological and nutritional definitions. A geological mineral is an inorganic substance with a chemical formula and an ordered atomic structure, while a nutritional mineral is a chemical element required by living organisms. Copper falls under both of these definitions.

Copper is an industrially important mineral due to its high ductility and conductivity. These properties make it both desirable as an electrical conductor and easy to form into wire.

Nutritionally, copper is an essential trace element. In humans, it is a required component of redox enzymes. Dietary copper is found in nuts, seeds, greens and barley.