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 small specimen of very bright Cuprite. The luster makes the specimen difficult to photograph. Nevertheless, the specimen shows good crystalline form and an attractive silvery-red colour. On one side is a small deposit of dark green Malachite.

Location: Carn Brea Mine, Camborne, Cornwall, England.