Mineral Species: Tenorite var. Melaconite

Chemical Formula: CuO

Chemical Name: Copper Oxide

Mineral Class: Oxide

Mineral Notes: Tenorite is an important ore of Copper and occurs in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal copper deposits or as a volcanic sublimate. It is named after Professor Michele Tenore (1781–1861), Italian botanist, University of Naples, Naples, Italy. Melaconite is a variety of Tenorite which is black hence it is also referred to as Black Copper Ore. In appearance it is strikingly different from Cuprite or Red Copper Ore, which is cuprous oxide. Crystals are rare and belong to the monoclinic system.

Description: Blister-like clusters of Melaconite on matrix. The average size of these is about 2 to 3mm. The colour is silver-black with a pronounced metallic luster. There are also some small bipyramidal crystals of white Quartz.

Location: 79er Mine, Gila Co., Arizona, USA.