Cuprite is the principal copper(I) oxide mineral and one of the richest Cu ores by mass. Its deep ruby-red color and adamantine luster make it one of the most chromatically striking sulfide-zone collector minerals.
Properties
- Formula: Cu2O
- Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
- Hardness: 3.5 – 4
- Color: Deep red, ruby-red, brick-red, almost black
- Streak: Brownish-red
- Luster: Adamantine to sub-metallic
- Cleavage: Indistinct on {111}
- Density: 6.0 – 6.2 g/cm³
Occurrence in China
Cuprite occurs in the oxidized zones of Tonglushan/Daye (Hubei), Tongling (Anhui), Dexing (Jiangxi) and Yunnan Cu deposits. The world’s most spectacular cuprite specimens come from Mashamba West and Onganja (DR Congo) and from Bisbee (Arizona).
Identification
Ruby-red translucent cubes/octahedra + adamantine luster + brownish-red streak + association with native copper, malachite, azurite. Distinguish from zincite (hexagonal, orange-red streak) and pyrargyrite (trigonal, lower density).
Collector Notes
Gem-cut cuprite is a connoisseur micro-gem (high RI ~2.85, very soft so collector-only). Crystallized cubes on copper matrix are highly prized — especially “chalcotrichite” hair-like cuprite on copper.
Found at these Localities
- Cornwall Mining District (康沃尔矿区)
- Chuquicamata (丘基卡马塔铜矿)
- Bisbee (Warren District) (比斯比铜矿)
- Tonglüshan Bronze-Age Cu Mine (铜绿山古矿)
- Tongling Mining District (铜陵矿区)
- Dexing Mine (德兴铜矿)
- Daye District (大冶)
- Hubei (湖北)
- Yunnan (云南)
- Jiangxi (江西)
