Gem Profile- Cuprite

by Judy Ellis

When we think of copper it's usually the shiny color of new pennies or the wire we carry here at Wirejewelry.com or maybe it's the weathered blue-green of the Statue of Liberty. Unless you've been around raw copper as it is being mined, you probably aren't too familiar with today's gemstone; Cuprite (coo-prite).

What is Cuprite?

The name cuprite comes from the Latin word "cuprum," meaning copper, and it is also called "ruby copper" because of its red color.

First identified in 1845, cuprite is composed of copper oxide (Cu₂O) and forms in the isometric crystal system.

Its crystals belong to the hexoctahedral class and can appear as cubes (4 sides), octahedra (8 sides), or dodecahedra (12 sides).

Cuprite has imperfect cleavage and a brittle conchoidal fracture.

Cuprite from Morenci, Arizona

Lustrous red octahedral cuprite crystals from the Propretary Mine in Broken Hill. The largest is 2.5mm on edge.

Cuprite occurs as a secondary mineral forming within copper sulfide deposits.

What color is Cuprite?

Cuprite is a brilliant and rare gem, displaying the deep red of the finest garnets or a maroon hue with a metallic luster similar to hematite.

Its brilliance and fire can surpass that of a diamond, but with a Mohs hardness of only 3.5-4 and a tendency to fracture, it is not very durable for jewelry.

Cuprite is usually cut into cabochons or beads, though faceting is possible if the stone is over one carat.

Dark Red Cuprite - Red Dome Mine
Chillagoe Queensland, Australia

Where is it found?

Some of the best Cuprite has been found in Southwest Africa in the 1970's.

This Cuprite is a brilliant red and translucent.

Due to the color and quality of his Cuprite, it was in very high demand has been all but played out.

Since then, new deposits have been found in Australia, Namibia, Russia, Japan and the United States.

Native Michigan Cuprite wrapped cab, in a partial basket weave fashion. This Cuprite is mixed with copper and the tiny bit of green is malachite.

Unique properties:

Cuprite is a gem of high energy that is said to help with inner guidance, can aid with fertility and helps to overcome fear.

Cuprite is also associated with the base Chakra and helps to balance the heart as well as keeping us grounded.

Cuprite wrapped necklace in sterling wire along with amazonite chips and carnelian accents by Shawnea Hardesty.

Cuprite is a stunning red gem valued for its rarity, fire, and brilliance.

Coming from common copper sulfide, it would be even more prized than diamonds if not for its softness.

Do you see why I love rocks?

You can often learn a lot about people by looking at the beautiful materials that come from ordinary stones.

Some endure intense heat and pressure, feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, and emerge weathered, twisted, or beaten but still shine brilliantly.

In my view, people are a lot like rocks, and rocks are simply amazing.

Resources

Learnng Library - Cuprite : www.gemporia.com
Gemstone Buzz - Cuprite : www.gemstonebuzz.com
Wikipedia Cuprite
Crystals and their meanings: meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com

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