Cuprite (synonym: red copper ore , name from Latin cuprum - “copper”) is a mineral of the oxide class, Cu 2 O. Dark red crystals of a cubic shape translucent to translucent, granular and earthy masses, tangled-needle aggregates . Hardness - about 4; density - 6.1 g / cm³. Piezoelectric . First described in 1845.
| Cuprite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Formula | Cu 2 O |
| Physical properties | |
| Color | Brown red, purplish red, red, black (with green oxides) |
| Trait color | Shiny Metallic Brownish Red |
| Shine | Diamond, semi-metallic, matte |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
| Hardness | 3,5 - 4 |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
| Kink | Crayfish |
| Density | 6.1 g / cm³ |
| Syngonia | Cubic (hexoctahedral) |
It occurs in the oxidation zone of copper ore deposits . It does not form large clusters. It occurs together with malachite, native copper and other secondary minerals in the oxidation zone of copper deposits. Copper ore, as a component of complex copper ores, is used along with other secondary copper-containing minerals for smelting copper. It is also used for long-term protection of copper surfaces (mainly monuments) from contact with the external environment.
See also
- Patina
- Bornite
- Tennantite
Literature
- Cuprite // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - SPb. , 1890-1907.
- Hurlbut, Cornelius S .; Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., Wiley, ISBN 0-471-80580-7
- New Encyclopedic Dictionary, Ripol Classic, Moscow, 2004
- Vertushkov G.N. Skeletal crystals of cuprite and antlerite from Mednorudyansk. - Tr. Sverdlov. horn Institute, 1975, issue 106, 133-134.