Peacock Ore

Hardness of 3 on Mohs scale, metallic luster, and a distinctive iridescent purple, blue, and brassy-yellow tarnish. It has a grayish-black streak and lacks distinct crystal cleavage.

Forms in hydrothermal veins and igneous or metamorphic contact metasomatic deposits. Typically created through the precipitation of copper and iron-rich fluids at high temperatures.

Primarily mined as a minor ore of copper and widely collected by mineral enthusiasts for its vibrant, colorful tarnish.

Natural freshly broken bornite is brownish-bronze and only develops its famous multicolored peacock iridescence upon exposure to air and light. This surface tarnish is caused by the formation of thin copper-iron oxide or hydroxide films.

Easily identified by its colorful iridescent tarnish and association with other copper sulfides like chalcopyrite. Found globally, with notable specimens originating from Mexico, Peru, and the USA.