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Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Cuprite Details

 

Cuprite

Cuprite is a mineral composed of copper oxide with the chemical formula Cu2O. It is a primary ore of copper and is usually found in oxidized copper ore veins. Below are some physical and optical properties, occurrence by country, healing properties, and uses of cuprite:

Discovery

Cuprite was first described in 1845 from the Ural Mountains, Russia.

Physical Properties

  • Color: Red to dark red, sometimes with a blackish tint
  • Crystal System: Isometric
  • Cleavage: None
  • Fracture: Conchoidal
  • Hardness: 3.5-4
  • Specific Gravity: 5.85-6.15
  • Luster: Adamantine to sub-metallic

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index: 2.849-3.410
  • Birefringence: None
  • Pleochroism: None
  • Dispersion: 0.080

Occurrence by Country

  • Chile
  • Peru
  • USA
  • Mexico
  • Zambia
  • Russia
  • Australia
  • Namibia
  • South Africa

Healing Properties

Cuprite is believed to have the following healing properties:

  • Boosts creativity
  • Encourages positive thinking
  • Enhances intuition
  • Stimulates the imagination
  • Increases self-awareness
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Helps with meditation

Uses

Cuprite is used for the following purposes:

  • As a primary ore of copper
  • As a gemstone
  • In crystal healing
  • In jewelry making
  • In lapidary work

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