Bornite

Bornite, also known as peacock ore, is a sulfide mineral with chemical composition Cu5FeS4 that crystallizes in the orthorhombic system (pseudo-cubic).

Bornite
Lightly iridescent bornite crystal on quartz needles, from Kazakhstan
Specimen size: 3.6 cm × 2.2 cm × 1.2 cm (1.42 in × 0.87 in × 0.47 in)
General
CategorySulfide mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Cu5FeS4
IMA symbolBn
Strunz classification2.BA.10
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPbca
Unit cella = 10.95 Å, b = 21.862 Å,
c = 10.95 Å; Z = 16
Identification
Formula mass501.88 g/mol
ColorCopper red, bronze brown, purple
Crystal habitGranular, massive, disseminated – Crystals pseudocubic, dodecahedral, octahedral
TwinningPenetration twins on [111]
CleavagePoor on [111]
FractureUneven to subconchoidal
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness3–3.25
LusterMetallic if fresh, iridescent tarnish
StreakGrayish black
Specific gravity5.06–5.08
Refractive indexOpaque
PleochroismWeak but noticeable
Other characteristicsMagnetic after heating, iridescent
References
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