Chemical Formula: Cu2O

Chemical Name: Copper Oxide

Mineral Class: Oxide

Mineral Notes: Cuprite typically occurs in upper oxidised parts of Copper deposits, usually found with native Copper and other secondary minerals including Malachite and Azurite. It has a relatively simple crystal structre with the Copper ion between two Oxygen ions, and every Oxygen is tetrahedrally coordinated with four Copper ions. It is a very minor ore of Copper.

Description: A dark heavy nodule of Cuprite whose surface has  been smoothed by weathering. In places some small red crystals show through and there are some small patches of green Malachite.

Location: Wheal Basset, Illogan, Cornwall, England.