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, 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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