Covellite
What is Covellite?
Covellite is a rare copper sulfide mineral that is often found in the United States, Italy, and Germany. It’s primarily used as a gemstone and is popular for its deep indigo-blue color.
Covellite is a striking gemstone that comes in shades of deep indigo-blue. Its unique appearance and color make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially beads and pendants.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Sulfide |
| Color | Deep blue to indigo with a metallic luster. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Metallic. |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Occurrence | Italy (especially from the Mount Vesuvius area), the USA (Montana), and Peru. |
| Formation | Covellite forms in hydrothermal veins and as a secondary mineral in copper ore deposits. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 1.5 - 2. |
| Specific Gravity | Approximately 4.6 - 4.8. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Indigo-blue, metallic luster. |
| Chemical Composition | CuS |
| Pleochroism | Not observed due to its opacity. |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (-) |
| Refractive Index | 1.450 - 1.708 |
| Birefringence | 0.006 |
| 2V angle | Measured: 68° |
| Dispersion | Not applicable due to its opacity. |