Collection: Bornite

Bornite is a copper-iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula Cu₅FeS₄ . It is valued as much for its economic importance in copper mining as for its spectacular appearance.

🧪 Main Features

• Name : Bornite

• Chemical formula : Cu₅FeS₄

• Cool color : coppery brown or bronze

• Altered color : iridescent (blue, purple, pink, green, etc.)

• Crystal system : orthorhombic (but often pseudocubic)

• Hardness (Mohs scale) : 3 to 3.25

• Density : 4.9 to 5.3

• Shine : metallic

• Fracture : uneven to subconchoidal

🌈 Appearance and nickname

When oxidized in air, bornite takes on magnificent iridescent multi-colored reflections (blue, purple, pink, green). This is why it is often nicknamed "peacock ore" .

⛏️ Formation and deposits

Bornite forms in hydrothermal copper deposits, often in association with:

• Chalcopyrite

• Chalcocite

• Pyrite

• Covellite

• Malachite

It is found in several mining regions around the world, including:

• Chile

• United States (Arizona, Montana)

• Mexico

• Peru

• Namibia

• Canada (British Columbia)

🏭 Use

Bornite is a source of copper in the mining industry. It contains approximately 63% copper when pure, making it a valuable ore. However, it is less abundant than chalcopyrite.

💎 Collection and scientific interest

Due to its spectacular colors, bornite is highly prized by mineral collectors. It is also studied by geologists to understand hydrothermal processes and copper deposits.