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 rich crust of semi-crystalline, dark-green Cuprite on Matrix. Magnification shows individual, falttened blade-like crystals. Most have a grainy texture and a sub-metallic luster.

Location: Wheal Phoenix Mine, Liskeard, Cornwall, England.