cubic Oxides
Cuprite
Formula Cu2O
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Cuprite
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Octahedron with cube truncation
cubic[m3m]:{111}@1.0 + {100}@0.5
cubic
m3m
{111} {100}
Quick Facts
Hardness
3.5
Specific Gravity
6.0
Refractive Index
2.848
Optical Character
Isotropic
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- cubic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Specific Gravity
- 6.0
- Cleavage
- Imperfect {111}
- Fracture
- Conchoidal to uneven
- Lustre
- Adamantine to sub-metallic
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 2.848
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Pleochroism
- None (isotropic)
Characteristics
Colours
Deep redBrownish-redPurplish-redNearly black (dark crystals)
Localities
Namibia (Onganja - historic gem source)Arizona (USA - Bisbee, Morenci)AustraliaDemocratic Republic of CongoCornwall (England - historic)
Crystal Forms
octahedroncubedodecahedron
Notes
RI over refractometer limit; extremely high SG aids identification
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
