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Cuprite
Cuprite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Cuprite? |
Cuprite is a supergene copper oxide mineral found in the oxidized zone of copper deposits. It is a minor ore of copper. |
Uses |
Cuprite uses include: ore of copper. |
Color |
various shades of red, sometimes nearly black |
Streak |
brownish red |
Luster |
submetallic to adamantine |
Diaphaneity |
subtranslucent |
Cleavage |
none |
Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
Specific Gravity |
5.8 - 6.1 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
color, streak, luster |
Crystal System |
isometric |
Chemical Classification |
oxide |
Chemical Composition |
copper oxide, Cu2O |
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Cuprite with chrysocolla from Butte, Montana.
This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
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Chalcotrichite, a variety of cuprite from Bisbee, Arizona.
This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
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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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