AllMineralsRock
Bornite
Bornite is a popular mineral composed of copper iron sulfide. [1]
Bornite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Bornite:- Transparency: Bornite is opaque.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, bornite is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, bornite is metallic.
- Streak: Bornite streaks black, dark gray, gray or gray black.
- Hardness: Bornite's hardness is 3 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Bornite's specific gravity is 5.08.
Bornite: Background and Summary
Bornite is a copper mineral that has a distinctive metallic luster and a bronze-like color. It is also known as peacock ore due to its iridescent colors that resemble the feathers of a peacock. Bornite is a sulfide mineral that is composed of copper, iron, and sulfur. It is formed as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of copper deposits. Bornite is often found in association with other copper minerals such as chalcopyrite, chalcocite, and covellite.One of the most distinctive features of bornite is its iridescence. The mineral has a metallic luster that can appear in shades of blue, purple, green, and gold. This is due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms on the surface of the mineral. When light reflects off the surface, it creates a colorful sheen. Bornite can also be identified by its hardness, which ranges from 3 to 3.25 on the Mohs scale, and its streak, which is brownish-black.
Bornite has several industrial and commercial uses. It is an important ore of copper and is often mined alongside other copper minerals. Bornite can also be used as a decorative stone due to its iridescence. It is often cut and polished into cabochons or used in jewelry-making. Bornite is also used in the production of pigments and dyes due to its colorful appearance.
Bornite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Bornite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Cu5FeS4 |
| Chemical Composition | copper iron sulfide |
| Specific Gravity | 5.08 |
| Hardness | 3 |
| Streak | gray black, dark gray, gray, black |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: red, purple sometimes: brown less common: blue, bronze, iridescent, yellow, multicolor |
| Category | sulfide |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Bornite: FAQ
Q: Is bornite a rare mineral?A: Bornite is not considered a rare mineral, but it is not as common as other copper minerals such as chalcopyrite and chalcocite.
Q: Can bornite be found in the United States?
A: Yes, bornite can be found in several locations in the United States, including Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Nevada.
Q: Is bornite toxic?
A: Bornite is not considered toxic, but it is a sulfide mineral and can release sulfur dioxide gas when heated. It is recommended to handle bornite with caution and avoid inhaling any dust or fumes.
Sources
- "Bornite Mineral Data." Webmineral, webmineral.com/data/Bornite.shtml.- "Bornite." Geology.com, geology.com/minerals/bornite.shtml.
- "Bornite." Mindat.org, mindat.org/min-736.html.
- Bornite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bornite
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