mineral
Bornite
Cu5FeS4 (Copper Iron Sulfide)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 (Mohs Scale), Color: Brown to copper-red on fresh surfaces; tarnishes to iridescent blues, purples, and reds, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (pseudo-cubic)
- Hardness
- 3 (Mohs Scale), Color: Brown to copper-red on fresh surfaces
- Color
- Brown to copper-red on fresh surfaces
- Luster
- Metallic, Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (pseudo-cubic)
Identified More mineral →
Explore Bornite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 (Mohs Scale), Color: Brown to copper-red on fresh surfaces; tarnishes to iridescent blues, purples, and reds, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (pseudo-cubic)
Formation & geological history
Found primarily in copper ore deposits, forming in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic zones, and as a secondary mineral in enriched zones of copper mines.
Uses & applications
A major ore of copper; used for industrial copper extraction and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors due to its colorful tarnish.
Geological facts
Commonly known as 'Peacock Ore' because of its brilliant iridescent tarnish. While naturally occurring, some specimens sold as Peacock Ore are actually Chalcopyrite that has been acid-etched to enhance the colors.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'bornite tarnish' (purple/blue shine) and its streak, which is grayish-black. Commonly found in Butte, Montana, and Cornwall, England.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous