Bornite Mineral Specimen Congo Africa Peacock Ore Copper Sulfide 20-50mm

Genuine Bornite – Congo, Africa Mineral Specimen

This listing is for a genuine Bornite mineral specimen from Congo, Africa, sized approximately 20–50mm. The photograph shown represents an example of the actual specimen you will receive. Each piece is carefully selected for its metallic character, vibrant surface colouration, and collector appeal.

Your specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it is a genuine natural mineral. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing and scale details.

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Mineral Species & Scientific Classification

Bornite is a copper iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula Cu₅FeS₄. It belongs to the sulfide mineral group and is an important copper ore mineral in many deposits worldwide.

Key mineral data:

• Mineral Species: Bornite

• Chemical Formula: Cu₅FeS₄

• Mineral Group: Sulfides

• Crystal System: Orthorhombic (high temperature form is isometric)

• Hardness: Approximately 3 on the Mohs scale

• Lustre: Metallic

• Transparency: Opaque

• Streak: Grayish black

Bornite is sometimes informally referred to as “Peacock Ore” due to its iridescent surface colours, although true bornite differs from similarly treated chalcopyrite materials.

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Colour & Surface Characteristics

Fresh bornite typically has a bronze to copper-red metallic appearance. When exposed to air, it undergoes surface oxidation, producing iridescent tarnish colours including:

• Deep blues

• Purples

• Greens

• Gold and copper tones

This natural oxidation creates the distinctive multicoloured metallic sheen that makes bornite highly desirable for mineral collectors.

Surface colour variations are entirely natural and may vary from piece to piece. Each specimen displays unique metallic textures and oxidation patterns.

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Geological Formation & Congo Locality

Bornite forms in a variety of geological environments, particularly within hydrothermal veins and magmatic sulfide deposits. It is commonly associated with other copper-bearing minerals such as:

• Chalcopyrite

• Chalcocite

• Pyrite

• Quartz

• Calcite

In copper-rich hydrothermal systems, mineralising fluids deposit sulfide minerals into fractures and cavities within host rock. Over time, these minerals crystallise and concentrate, forming ore bodies.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is known for significant copper deposits within the Central African Copperbelt, one of the world’s major copper-producing regions. Bornite from this area is valued for both its economic and collector significance.

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Crystal Habit & Structure

Bornite rarely forms well-defined external crystals; instead, it commonly appears as:

• Massive aggregates

• Granular formations

• Metallic nodules

• Irregular ore fragments

Its metallic lustre and oxidation colours create strong visual impact even in compact specimens.

Due to its relative softness compared to quartz, bornite should be handled with care to preserve surface features.

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Size & Collector Appeal (20–50mm)

With a size range of approximately 20–50mm, this specimen offers an ideal balance between display presence and manageable storage.

Suitable for:

• Mineral and ore collections

• Copper mineral study collections

• Display cabinets

• Educational geological reference

• Unique gifts for mineral enthusiasts

The size allows appreciation of the metallic texture and surface iridescence.

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Collecting & Traditional Associations (Non-Medical)

Bornite is prized by collectors for its striking metallic colours and its importance as a copper ore mineral. It is a classic addition to sulfide and copper mineral collections.

In spiritual traditions, bornite is sometimes traditionally associated with positivity symbolism due to its vibrant colours. This listing presents the specimen strictly as a natural mineral collectible without any medical or outcome-based claims.

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Authenticity & Product Details

• Genuine Bornite mineral specimen

• Origin: Congo, Africa

• Size Range: Approximately 20–50mm

• Copper iron sulfide mineral

• Natural metallic and iridescent surface

• Carefully selected collector piece

• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card

• Photo shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive

A striking Congo bornite specimen showcasing metallic lustre, vibrant oxidation colours, and classic copper sulfide mineral character for serious collectors and enthusiasts.