Bornite
ExploreMineral
Bornite
Bornite is a shiny mineral that sparkles with colors like peacock feathers. It's also known as peacock ore for its vibrant hues of blue, purple, and gold.
Appearance
The Bornite is typically bronze-brown on a fresh break, but quickly tarnishes to stunning iridescent shades of blue, purple, red, and copper. This mineral looks like a rainbow trapped on a metallic surface, making it easily distinguishable.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient civilizations might have melted bornite to get copper for tools and jewelry!
Bornite can contain up to 63% copper by weight, making it incredibly rich!
Even though it shines, bornite is soft enough to scratch with a copper penny!
Its nickname is "Peacock Ore" because of its amazing rainbow-like shine!
Special abilities
Ability
Rainbow Maker
Bornite has a high iron and copper content that reacts with air to create its famous dazzling, iridescent colors.
Ability
Copper Power-Up
Bornite is rich in copper, making it a super important mineral for extracting this valuable metal used in wires and pipes.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- bronze, brown, blue, purple, red, copper
- Hardness
- 3.25
- Luster
- Metallic
- Specific Gravity
- 5
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Metallic
Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
Metallic Luster
Metallic luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling polished metal, often opaque.
Gemstone
A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Also known as
Peacock Ore
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Bornite is a mineral and safe to observe, but avoid ingesting minerals found in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Bornite be?
bronze, brown, blue, purple, red, copper
How hard is Bornite?
3.25
What kind of luster does Bornite have?
Metallic
What is Bornite's specific gravity?
5
What crystal system does Bornite belong to?
Orthorhombic
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