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 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brownish black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: brilliant metallic to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: 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: Paramelaconite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Paramelaconite leaves brownish black, Tenorite leaves black; luster reads brilliant metallic to adamantine on Paramelaconite and metallic on Tenorite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads brilliant metallic to adamantine on Paramelaconite and adamantine to submetallic, earthy on Cuprite.
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
- 4.5
- Density
- 6.04-6.11 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish black
- Luster
- Brilliant metallic to adamantine
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Pseudocubic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A very rare secondary mineral in hydrothermal copper deposits
Where rockhounds find paramelaconite
Classic worldwide localities
- Copper Queen mine, Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, and at the Algomah mine, Ontonagon Co., Michigan, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A very rare secondary mineral in hydrothermal copper deposits. If you start seeing cuprite, tenorite, connellite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudocubic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paramelaconite on the map
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