What's That Rock?Bornite
Also called: peacock ore
A copper ore nicknamed peacock ore for its blue, purple and bronze iridescent tarnish.
Safety
Wash hands after handling raw pieces and avoid breathing dust.
How to identify Bornite
- Brilliant purple-blue-red tarnish on the surface
- Fresh breaks look bronze-brown
- Soft and heavy
Often confused with
- Chalcopyrite
- Dyed or coated pyrite
- Peacock-colored man-made stones
Is Bornite valuable?
Inexpensive.
Typical retail prices
Collector specimen$10–80each
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Iridescence: strong purple-blue-red tarnish ('peacock ore') is the draw
- Crystals are rare: crystallized bornite costs far more than massive pieces
- Treatment: many 'peacock' pieces are dyed or heat-treated, check the origin
- Tarnish changes over time
Uses
- Copper ore, specimens
Care
Tarnish colors fade with handling. Keep dry.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026