Characteristics of Cuprite:

Chemical Name: Copper oxide

Formula: Cu2O

Colors: Shades of red to nearly black

Structure: Cubic

Hardness: 3.5-4

Specific Gravity: 6.1

Refractive Index: 2.85

Lustre: Adamantine, submetallic

Streak: Brownish red

Locations: Namibia, Australia, Bolivia, Chile

What is Cuprite? 

The mineral cuprite is names from the Latin cuprum, meaning “copper”, and it is sometimes known as ruby copper due to its distinct carmine-red color. Almost every faceted stone larger than one carat has been come from a single deposit in Namibia, which is now exhausted, and even these are rare. Faceted stones are too soft to wear, but their brilliance and garnet-red color is exceptional, making them highly desirable as collector’s stones. Othe localities that produce less amount of smaller gem material are Australia, Bolivia and Chile.