Auricupride is a rare copper-gold intermetallic mineral typically found as microscopic grains or small masses in ultramafic rocks. It is visually similar to native gold but often exhibits a slightly different, brassier yellow hue and significantly higher density fluctuations due to variable copper content.
Is this auricupride?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch auricupride with a known reference. Auricupride sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Auricupride leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Auricupride typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, gold.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, massive, rarely as small cubic crystals.
Often confused with
Auricupride vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside auricupride
Minerals reported to co-occur with auricupride. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃Au
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 11.5-15.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Massive, Rarely as Small Cubic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Rocks, Ophiolites, And Associated Placer Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find auricupride
Classic worldwide localities
- Ural Mountains, Russia
- Urals, Russia
- Atlin, British Columbia, Canada
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic rocks, ophiolites, and associated placer deposits country — that is the host setting where auricupride typically forms. If you start seeing gold, magnetite, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, massive, rarely as small cubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify auricupride?+
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How much is auricupride worth?+
What rocks look like auricupride?+
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Find auricupride on the map
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