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Bornite
Bornite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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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. |
Uses |
The primary use of bornite is as an ore of copper. It has no other uses that are significant. |
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 |
Hardness |
3 |
Specific Gravity |
5.0 - 5.1 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
color |
Crystal System |
tetragonal |
Chemical Classification |
sulfide |
Chemical Composition |
copper iron sulfide, Cu5FeS4 |
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Bornite from Butte, Montana.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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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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Bornite from Musina, South Africa.
Specimen is approximately 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters) across.
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More Information About Minerals!
Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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