Cuprite

Real mineral · uncommon · Cu₂O

Copper oxide from the weathered cap of copper deposits, where it grows deep red cubes and octahedra. Transparent crystals are cut for collectors, though at 3.5 on the Mohs scale they are far too soft to wear.

Identity

Formula

Cu₂O

Chemical class

oxide

Also known as

Ruby copper

Crystallography

Crystal system

cubic

Habits

cubic, octahedral, massive

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

4

Density

6.1 g/cm³

Luster

adamantine

Colors

brown red, purple red, red, black

Streak

brownish red

Transparency

transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins

hydrothermal

Host rocks

oxidised copper ore

Associated minerals

Copper, Malachite, Azurite, Chrysocolla

Geography

Namibia, Russia, Australia

Classification

Rarity

uncommon

Gem quality

Yes

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