Mineral - Cuprite
Cuprite
Chemical Properties
Mineral Class
Oxides and Hydrxides
Toxicity
none
Formula
Cu₂O
Unit Cell
a=4.27 Z=2
Physical Properties
Hardness
3.5 - 4
Streak
brownred
Density
Very Heavy (>6)
Cleavage
Imperfect after {111}
Fracture
conchoidal
Tenacity
Brittle
Optical Properties
Color
blackredorange
Birefringence
Luster
Metallic,
Adamantine
Transparency
translucent,
opaque
Pleochroism
Geomineralogical Properties
Crystal System
isometric
Point Group
hexoctahedral - 4/m 3 2/m
Space Group
Pn 3 m (224)
Habit
Octahedron, Cube
Formation
Oxidation zone of copper deposits
Paragenesis
Twinning
Rarity
Common
Synonyms
Cuprite