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Cuprite, a mineral composed of copper oxide, derives its name from the Latin "cuprum," meaning copper. It is also known as oxidized copper, red vitreous copper mine, red copper ore, ruberite, or ziggeline.
It presents as dark geometric crystals with internal red reflections. Due to its red hue, it is also dubbed "ruby copper," ranging from red to reddish-brown, crimson, or even blackish depending on impurities.
A filamentous variety of cuprite, called chalcotrichite, features red feathery formations or capillary filaments of oxidized copper.
Interestingly, cuprite can undergo pseudomorphosis, transforming into malachite, adding a fascinating dimension to its composition.
Despite its beauty, cuprite is rarely used in jewelry due to its fragility.
Discovered in 1845 by Austrian mineralogist and geologist Wilhelm Karl Ritter Von Haidinger, cuprite marked a significant addition to mineralogical knowledge. Its type specimen, originating from Halsbrucke in Germany, served as the starting point for numerous studies on this fascinating mineral.
Although its formal description is relatively recent, ancient artifacts in Roman and Celtic copper or bronze reveal that cuprite was known long before its official discovery. These objects attest to the early use of this mineral in ancient craftsmanship and art, providing valuable insight into its significance in ancient civilizations.
Mines : Algeria, Spain, USA, France, Zaire, Chile, Bolivia, Namibia, Australia, Congo.
Cuprite, renowned for its therapeutic virtues, offers a multitude of benefits for both body and mind:
⚠ Please note that all healing properties presented for gemstones are gathered from various sources. This information is provided as a service and is not intended to treat medical conditions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for serious medical issues and not to rely solely on gemstones as a treatment.