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 — 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 — that is 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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