Guide
Cuprite specimens for sale
216 for sale · $85–$22,000 USD
672 in the gallery
Cuprite is a copper oxide mineral that forms as red to brown-red crystals and masses with a distinctive metallic to resinous lustre. It commonly occurs in oxidized zones of copper deposits, often as granular aggregates or well-formed crystals that exhibit a glassy to adamantine sheen. The mineral’s characteristic color and reflective surfaces make it a striking collector piece, especially when small, well-terminated crystals display sharp edges.
- Formula
- Cu2O
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Oxide mineral; copper(I) oxide (Cu2O); Strunz 04.AA
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- isometric
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5–4
- Specific gravity
- 6–6.14
- Luster
- adamantine, submetallic, dull
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent, opaque
- Color
- red, brown, black, gray
- Streak
- red, brown
- Cleavage
- poor
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- cubic, octahedral, dodecahedral, acicular, fibrous, granular, massive
- Gem mineral
- Classic / historic
Buy Cuprite specimens
View all 216Where Cuprite is found
Top localities
- Rubtsovsk Mine55 specimens
- Mashamba West Mine44 specimens
- Milpillas Mine44 specimens
- Bisbee35 specimens
- Ray Mine29 specimens
- Mufulira Mine13 specimens
- Tsumeb13 specimens
- Red Dome Mine11 specimens
- Kolwezi8 specimens
- Onganja Mine7 specimens
Guides
All guides
Guide
Cuprite from Tsumeb, Namibia
Tsumeb cuprite — Namibia's famed copper-lead-zinc-silver deposit yields wine-red to cherry-red crystals with brilliant luster, often on calcite or smithsonite.Read guide
Guide
Cuprite from Rubtsovsk Mine, Russia
Cuprite from Rubtsovsk Mine, Russia — striking red-black octahedra on native copper with silver; a modern classic from a brief, collectible locality.Read guide
Guide
Cuprite from Onganja Mine, Namibia
Cuprite from Onganja Mine, Namibia — large, sharp crystals with malachite skins and deep red interiors; a historic locality prized by collectors.Read guide
Guide
Cuprite from Milpillas Mine, Mexico
Cuprite from Milpillas Mine, Mexico — sharp octahedral crystals, deep red translucency with metallic luster, contrasting pale matrix, prized by collectors.Read guide
Guide
Cuprite from Chessy copper mines, France
Cuprite from Chessy copper mines, France — a European classic with sharp red octahedra often mantled by malachite and azurite, prized for provenance.Read guideAbout Cuprite
Notable specimens have come from historic copper-producing regions in the United States and Russia, among others, with localities in Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United Kingdom contributing notable pieces as well. Cuprite often forms in association with other copper oxides and sulfides, and can occur in veinlets and cavity fillings where oxidation has concentrated copper minerals. Its vivid red hue makes it a memorable contrast against darker gangue material, appealing to collectors seeking color-rich minerals for display.
Collectors value cuprite for its color, habit and the way crystals reflect light in hand-specimen and cabinet displays. While typically modest in size, high-quality cuprite crystals or aesthetically pleasing aggregates from classic localities remain sought-after for their visual impact and historical context within copper-oxide mineral assemblages.
