Delafossite is a rare copper-iron oxide mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. It commonly presents as dark, metallic-looking tabular or hexagonal crystals that can easily be mistaken for hematite but are softer and less dense.
Is this delafossite?
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 delafossite with a known reference. Delafossite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Delafossite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Delafossite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, plates, sometimes hexagonal.
Often confused with
Delafossite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Delafossite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Delafossite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
How to tell apart: Delafossite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3-4).
Often found alongside delafossite
Minerals reported to co-occur with delafossite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuFeO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 5.45 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Plates, Sometimes Hexagonal
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Copper Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find delafossite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan
- Rezbanya, Romania
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of copper ore deposits country, the host setting where delafossite typically forms. If you start seeing cuprite, tenorite, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, plates, sometimes hexagonal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find delafossite on the map
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