Native copper. Copper (Cu) is a transition metal element and one of only a few metals to occur in nature in elemental (native) form. It is more often found combined with other elements, such as with oxygen in the form of copper oxide. Copper is a soft, dense, ductile and malleable metal, that forms the base for alloys such as bronze and brass. It is also an excellent conductor and is used for electrical wiring. It has a melting point of 1084 degrees Celsius.