Cuprite
Image: Andrew Silver (Public domain)
Mineral NameCuprite
Chemical FormulaCu₂O
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lusteradamantine
Streak Colorreddish brown
Cleavagepoor/indistinct on {111}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity6.1
Colorsred, orange-red, brownish-red, purplish-red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBisbee, Arizona, USA
Mineral GroupOxides
Usesminor ore of copper, collector's mineral
Associated Mineralsnative copper, malachite, azurite, chrysocolla, tenorite, limonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays a vibrant orange-red to deep red color, characteristic of cuprite, with a submetallic to adamantine luster. It appears as a dense, massive aggregate, possibly with some crystalline forms, and is shown with a pen for scale.
Geological Context
Cuprite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper sulfide deposits, typically found above the water table where primary copper minerals have been altered by weathering processes.
