Bornite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bornite?
Bornite is one of the most colorful minerals in the world, coming in almost all the colors of the rainbow. While attractive, it is not very valuable because it is so abundant and easily found. It is often labeled as the "Peacock ore" and sold to tourists and amateur collectors, although this name is also given to Chalcopyrite treated with acid. It's a useful ore of copper, found in copper deposits.
Etymology & Origins
It was named in 1845 for Austrian mineralogist Ignaz von Born (born as Born Ignác into a Hungarian family) (1742–1791).
Healing Properties
Bornite activates and aligns all of the chakras, or can be used on individual chakras as needed. It is considered a stone of happiness and joy as it removes negative energy from the body and allows positive energy to flow through. It helps the user deal with stressful situations and aids in the recognition of obstacles that are standing in the way of success.
Discover Values
Bornite Market Value Calculator
Estimate the market value of Bornite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.
Bornite Localities Map
See where Bornite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
The Meaning
Bornite is a birthstone for the zodiac sign of Cancer.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Appearance of Bornite
Bornite has a brown to copper-red color on fresh surfaces that tarnishes to various iridescent shades of blue to purple in places. Its striking iridescence gives it the nickname peacock copper or peacock ore.
Formation of Bornite
It occurs globally in copper ores with notable crystal localities in Butte, Montana and at Bristol, Connecticut in the U.S. It is also collected from the Carn Brea mine, Illogan, and elsewhere in Cornwall, England. Large crystals are found from the Frossnitz Alps, eastern Tirol, Austria; the Mangula mine, Lomagundi district, Zimbabwe; from the N'ouva mine, Talate, Morocco, the West Coast of Tasmania and in Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. There are also traces of it found amongst the hematite in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Composition of Bornite
Substantial variation in the relative amounts of copper and iron is possible and solid solution extends towards chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and digenite (Cu9S5). Exsolution of blebs and lamellae of chalcopyrite, digenite, and chalcocite is common.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Harm Reason: Bornite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Copper.
- ⚠️Heavy Metal: Copper
- ⚠️How to prevent the risks of Bornite?
More Images
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Copper-red to pinchbeck-brown, purplish
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3
- Density
- 5.09 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grey-Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu5FeS4
- Elements
- Cu, Fe, S
Also Known As
Identify Bornite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
