Native copper refers to copper that occurs naturally in its elemental form, meaning it is not chemically combined with other elements. It is typically found as nuggets or grains within rocks or sediments and has a reddish-brown color and metallic luster. Native copper is relatively rare, and most copper used today is extracted from copper-containing ores, such as chalcopyrite and malachite.

Copper, on the other hand, is the name of the chemical element with the symbol "Cu" and atomic number 29. In its pure form, copper is a reddish-brown metal known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its malleability and ductility. However, pure copper is relatively soft and not very strong, so it is often alloyed with other metals, such as tin, zinc, or aluminum, to improve its properties.

In summary, native copper is the naturally occurring form of the element copper, while copper refers to the chemical element itself, which can be found in both native form and in various compounds and ores.