Bornite Photos    
Cochise College               
Photos of Minerals
Geology Home Page

Roger Weller, geology instructor

[email protected]    copyright 2010-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                                                                                                                                                 1
Photos are copyright free only for non-commercial educational uses.
Just credit photos to R.Weller/Cochise College.