How do I identify Delafossite?

Delafossite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Delafossite?

Delafossite typically appears in Black, brown-white in reflected light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Delafossite?

Delafossite has a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Delafossite

A variety of Minerals

What is Delafossite?

Delafossite is a copper iron oxide mineral with formula CuFeO2 or CuFeO2. It is a member of the delafossite mineral group, which has the general formula ABO2, a group characterized by sheets of linearly coordinated A cations stacked between edge-shared octahedral layers (BO6). Delafossite, along with other minerals of the ABO2 group, is known for its wide range of electrical properties, its conductivity varying from insulating to metallic. Delafossite is usually a secondary mineral that crystallizes in association with oxidized copper and rarely occurs as a primary mineral.

Delafossite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Delafossite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Delafossite Localities Map

See where Delafossite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Delafossite

The color of delafossite is black, with a hardness of 5.5, and imperfect cleavage in the {1011} direction. Pabst calculated the density of delafossite to be 5.52. Contact twinning has been observed in the {0001} direction. The unit cell parameters were calculated to be a = 3.0351 Å, c = 17.166 Å, V = 136.94 Å. Delafossite is tabular to equidimensional in habit and has a black streak and a metallic luster. Delafossite has hexagonal symmetry that can have the space groups R3m or P63/mmc depending on the stacking of A cation layers. Delafossite compounds can have magnetic properties when magnetic ions are in the B cation position. Delafossite compounds also have properties dealing with electric conductivity such as insulation and/or metallic conduction. Delafossite compounds can exhibit p- or n-type conductivity based on their composition. Rhombohedral (3R), CuFeO2 properties: P-type semiconductor, bandgap 1.47 eV High light absorption coefficient of 7.5×10 cm near the band gap edge at 700 nm. High hole mobility of 34 cm v s even at doping levels as high as 1.8 × 10 cm. Good stability in aqueous environments. Hexagonal (2H), CuFeO2 properties: unknown as pure 2H CuFeO2 is very difficult to synthesize.