mineral

Dark sulfide-bearing mineral specimen, possibly bornite or chalcopyrite

Likely chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) or bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), with pale quartz or carbonate coating

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Metallic to submetallic luster, dark gray-black body with brassy golden patches; likely hardness about 3–4 Mohs and relatively high specific gravity. The close-up and reflective packaging obscure crystal form and cleavage, so identification is provisional.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Dark sulfide-bearing mineral specimen, possibly bornite or chalcopyrite
Scientific name: Likely chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) or bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), with pale quartz or carbonate coating
Category: mineral
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $2–$15 for a small ordinary specimen; $20–$100+ if strongly iridescent, well-crystallized, or from a documented locality.

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

Copper sulfide minerals commonly form in hydrothermal veins and disseminated ore deposits, often with quartz, calcite, or other sulfides; ages range from Precambrian to recent geological systems.

Uses & applications

Primarily mined as copper ore; attractive iridescent or brassy specimens are collected, but this piece appears to be an unexceptional small ore specimen rather than jewelry material.

Geological facts

Bornite is nicknamed “peacock ore” when tarnished with purple-blue colors; chalcopyrite commonly has a brass-yellow color and may tarnish iridescently.

Field identification & locations

Test for a brassy streak, metallic luster, and softness relative to a steel blade; chalcopyrite is commonly softer than quartz and may show green-black tarnish. Common localities include Arizona, Montana, Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Cornwall.