mineral

Copper-bearing quartz/rock fragment with attached mica

Chalcopyrite-bearing quartz or altered igneous rock; attached flake likely muscovite or biotite mica

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Metallic brassy-gold and blue-green tarnish suggests chalcopyrite, with quartz or feldspar matrix and a strongly reflective mica flake. Chalcopyrite hardness is 3.5–4, metallic luster, imperfect cleavage, and specific gravity about 4.1–4.3; identification is uncertain from the image alone.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Copper-bearing quartz/rock fragment with attached mica
Scientific name: Chalcopyrite-bearing quartz or altered igneous rock; attached flake likely muscovite or biotite mica
Category: mineral
Identified: August 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a small common specimen; $30–$100+ if naturally vivid, well-crystallized, and locality-documented.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in hydrothermal veins or altered igneous rocks, where copper sulfides crystallized from hot fluids; the specimen’s geological age cannot be determined visually. Surface oxidation produces blue-green copper sulfates and related tarnish minerals.

Uses & applications

Copper sulfide minerals are mined for copper; attractive pieces are collected, while mica has industrial uses in electrical insulation and fillers. This small natural specimen has modest decorative value.

Geological facts

Chalcopyrite is commonly called “peacock ore” when its iridescent tarnish is prominent, though artificially treated pieces are also sold under that name.

Field identification & locations

Look for brassy metallic grains, iridescent blue-purple oxidation, and a dark or pale matrix; a streak test, hardness test, and copper-mineral testing would help confirm it. Common localities include Peru, Mexico, Arizona, Montana, and Cornwall.