Rock Identifier
Bornite (Bornite (Cu5FeS4)) — mineral
mineral

Bornite

Bornite (Cu5FeS4)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: Brownndish-bronze, tarnishing to iridescent purple/blue (Peacock Ore); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (pseudocubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 5.06-5.08

Hardness
3 (Mohs scale)
Luster
Metallic
Identified More mineral →
Explore Bornite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: Brownndish-bronze, tarnishing to iridescent purple/blue (Peacock Ore); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (pseudocubic); Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 5.06-5.08

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic zones, and as a secondary mineral in enriched zones of copper deposits. Often associated with chalcopyrite and chalcocite.

Uses & applications

Major ore of copper; used for copper extraction in industry and as a popular decorative and collecting mineral.

Geological facts

Nickname 'Peacock Ore' comes from its spectacular iridescent tarnish. It contains approximately 63% copper by mass.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive iridescent 'oil slick' tarnish and metallic sheen. Found in copper mines in locations like Arizona (USA), Cornwall (UK), and Chile.

More like this

Other mineral specimens

Gneiss or Schist (Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet) — Metamorphic

Gneiss or Schist

Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet

Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining (Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides) — mineral

Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining

Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides

mineral
Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate) (Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite) — mineral

Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate)

Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite

mineral
Septarian Pebble (Septarian nodule / Concretion) — sedimentary

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary
Epidote (Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) — metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic