mineral

Polished raw copper-bearing rock, likely cuprite–malachite ore

Copper oxides and carbonates, likely cuprite (Cu₂O) with malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂); exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Red-brown areas and green patches with a glossy, possibly wet or coated surface. Hardness varies by mineral: malachite 3.5–4 Mohs, cuprite 3.5–4; crystal structure and specific gravity cannot be determined reliably from the photo.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished raw copper-bearing rock, likely cuprite–malachite ore in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Polished raw copper-bearing rock, likely cuprite–malachite ore
Scientific name: Copper oxides and carbonates, likely cuprite (Cu₂O) with malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂); exact identification requires testing
Category: mineral
Identified: October 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$40 for a small, common rough or polished specimen; exceptional, well-crystallized pieces can be worth more.

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 by oxidation of copper sulfide ore near the surface, where copper-bearing fluids produced secondary oxide and carbonate minerals. Such deposits range widely in age and occur in arid and oxidized zones of copper deposits.

Uses & applications

Copper ores are mined for metal; attractive pieces are kept as mineral specimens or used decoratively. This specimen appears more suitable for collecting than jewelry.

Geological facts

Malachite’s green color comes from copper, while cuprite commonly supplies red to reddish-brown tones.

Field identification & locations

The mottled green and red-brown appearance is consistent with copper minerals, but visual identification is not definitive; check for streak, hardness, and reaction to dilute acid, or seek mineral testing. Copper-oxide specimens occur in regions including Arizona, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Namibia.