Delafossite
A variety of Minerals
What is Delafossite?
Delafossite is a copper iron oxide mineral with formula CuFeO2 or CuFeO2. It is a member of the delafossite mineral group, which has the general formula ABO2, a group characterized by sheets of linearly coordinated A cations stacked between edge-shared octahedral layers (BO6). Delafossite, along with other minerals of the ABO2 group, is known for its wide range of electrical properties, its conductivity varying from insulating to metallic. Delafossite is usually a secondary mineral that crystallizes in association with oxidized copper and rarely occurs as a primary mineral.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Delafossite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Delafossite Localities Map
See where Delafossite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Delafossite
The color of delafossite is black, with a hardness of 5.5, and imperfect cleavage in the {1011} direction. Pabst calculated the density of delafossite to be 5.52. Contact twinning has been observed in the {0001} direction. The unit cell parameters were calculated to be a = 3.0351 Å, c = 17.166 Å, V = 136.94 Å. Delafossite is tabular to equidimensional in habit and has a black streak and a metallic luster. Delafossite has hexagonal symmetry that can have the space groups R3m or P63/mmc depending on the stacking of A cation layers. Delafossite compounds can have magnetic properties when magnetic ions are in the B cation position. Delafossite compounds also have properties dealing with electric conductivity such as insulation and/or metallic conduction. Delafossite compounds can exhibit p- or n-type conductivity based on their composition. Rhombohedral (3R), CuFeO2 properties: P-type semiconductor, bandgap 1.47 eV High light absorption coefficient of 7.5×10 cm near the band gap edge at 700 nm. High hole mobility of 34 cm v s even at doping levels as high as 1.8 × 10 cm. Good stability in aqueous environments. Hexagonal (2H), CuFeO2 properties: unknown as pure 2H CuFeO2 is very difficult to synthesize.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Black, brown-white in reflected light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5
- Density
- 5.52 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CuFeO2
- Elements
- Cu, Fe, O
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Delafossite FAQs
How do I identify Delafossite?
Delafossite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Delafossite?
Delafossite typically appears in Black, brown-white in reflected light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Delafossite?
Delafossite has a hardness of 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of delafossite of Delafossite?
The color of delafossite is black, with a hardness of 5.5, and imperfect cleavage in the {1011} direction. Pabst calculated the density of delafossite to be 5.52. Contact twinning has been observed in the {0001} direction. The unit cell parameters were calculated to be a = 3.0351 Å, c = 17.166 Å, V = 136.94 Å. Delafossite is tabular to equidimensional in habit and has a black streak and a metallic luster. Delafossite has hexagonal symmetry that can have the space groups R3m or P63/mmc depending on the stacking of A cation layers. Delafossite compounds can have magnetic properties when magnetic ions are in the B cation position. Delafossite compounds also have properties dealing with electric conductivity such as insulation and/or metallic conduction. Delafossite compounds can exhibit p- or n-type conductivity based on their composition. Rhombohedral (3R), CuFeO2 properties: P-type semiconductor, bandgap 1.47 eV High light absorption coefficient of 7.5×10 cm near the band gap edge at 700 nm. High hole mobility of 34 cm v s even at doping levels as high as 1.8 × 10 cm. Good stability in aqueous environments. Hexagonal (2H), CuFeO2 properties: unknown as pure 2H CuFeO2 is very difficult to synthesize.
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