Paramelaconite is a rare copper oxide mineral that typically occurs as small, black, pseudocubic crystals. It is best known for its occurrence in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, particularly the famous Copper Queen mine in Bisbee, Arizona. It is highly sought after by collectors for its unusual crystal structure and rarity.
Is this paramelaconite?
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 paramelaconite with a known reference. Paramelaconite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paramelaconite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paramelaconite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: pseudocubic crystals.
Often confused with
Paramelaconite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Paramelaconite and metallic on Tenorite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paramelaconite leaves black, Native Copper leaves copper-red; luster reads adamantine on Paramelaconite and metallic on Native Copper.
Often found alongside paramelaconite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paramelaconite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.08 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Pseudocubic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Copper Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal quality and size
Where rockhounds find paramelaconite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized copper deposits country — that is the host setting where paramelaconite typically forms. If you start seeing cuprite, tenorite, chrysocolla in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudocubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paramelaconite?+
Where is paramelaconite found?+
How much is paramelaconite worth?+
Is paramelaconite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paramelaconite?+
What minerals are found with paramelaconite?+
What kind of rock does paramelaconite form in?+
What is paramelaconite used for?+
Find paramelaconite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
