Bornite Photos    
Cochise College               
Photos of Minerals
Virtual Geology Museum      Hall of Minerals

Geology Home Page

Roger Weller, geology instructor

wellerr@cochise.edu    copyright 2008-R.Weller

 
massive bornite-1
Bornite, a copper iron sulfide, is also known as peacock ore.  On a freshly broken
surface the mineral has a metallic luster and almost a copper metal color.  Upon
prolonged exposure to air, the mineral tarnishes in a beautiful way.  The small
grains of bornite in the photo below show purples, blues, reds, and greens as the
tarnish develops.  Often there are metallic yellow grains of chalcopyrite present with
the massive bornite.  Because of the high reflectivity of the metallic luster, it is often
difficult to photograph all of the colors.
 

bornite
Photos are copyright free for non-commercial educational uses.
Just credit photos to R.Weller/Cochise College.