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Bornite
Bornite
Mineral Properties and Uses
What is Bornite?
Bornite is a copper iron sulfide mineral commonly found in hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic rocks and in the enriched zone of sulfide copper deposits. It is a common ore of copper and is easily recognized because it tarnishes to iridescent shades of blue, purple, green and yellow. It is often mined as an ore of copper.
Physical Properties of Bornite |
| Uses |
Primarily an ore of copper. |
| Color |
brownish bronze on a fresh surface, iridescent purple, blue, and black on a tarnished surface |
| Streak |
grayish black |
| Luster |
metallic |
| Diaphaneity |
opaque |
| Cleavage |
Poor |
| Mohs Hardness |
3 |
| Specific Gravity |
5.0 - 5.1 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
color |
| Chemical Composition |
copper iron sulfide, Cu5FeS4 |
| Crystal System |
tetragonal |
| Bornite from Musina, South Africa. Specimen is approximately 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters) across. |
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| Bornite from Butte, Montana. Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across. |
| Bornite from Musina, South Africa. Specimen on the right shows the typical iridescent tarnish. Specimens are approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across. |
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