Paramelaconite
A variety of Minerals
What is Paramelaconite?
Paramelaconite is a rare, black-colored copper(I,II) oxide mineral with formula Cu2Cu2O3 (or Cu4O3). It was discovered in the Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, about 1890. It was described in 1892 and more fully in 1941. Its name is derived from the Greek word for "near" and the similar mineral melaconite, now known as tenorite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Paramelaconite 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.
Paramelaconite Localities Map
See where Paramelaconite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Paramelaconite
Paramelaconite crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system. Its space group was correctly identified by Frondel as I41/amd. In 1978, O'Keeffe and Bovin determined the formula to be Cu4O3, specifically Cu2Cu2O3. There has been misunderstanding and misreporting of the mineral's crystal structure, due in part to a typographical error in O'Keeffe and Bovin's paper and the commonality of choosing an incorrect origin for the I41/amd space group. At the same time as O'Keeffe and Bovin's report, a paper by Datta and Jeffery determined a structure for the mineral based on the incorrect formula Cu12Cu4O14. The formula originated from incorrectly assuming that Frondel's analysis was of a homogeneous crystal of paramelaconite.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Black, black with a slight purple tint
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4.5
- Density
- 6.106 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brown-black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu1+2Cu2+2O3
- Elements
- Cu, O
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Paramelaconite FAQs
How do I identify Paramelaconite?
Paramelaconite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Paramelaconite?
Paramelaconite typically appears in Black, black with a slight purple tint. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Paramelaconite?
Paramelaconite has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of paramelaconite of Paramelaconite?
Paramelaconite crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system. Its space group was correctly identified by Frondel as I41/amd. In 1978, O'Keeffe and Bovin determined the formula to be Cu4O3, specifically Cu2Cu2O3. There has been misunderstanding and misreporting of the mineral's crystal structure, due in part to a typographical error in O'Keeffe and Bovin's paper and the commonality of choosing an incorrect origin for the I41/amd space group. At the same time as O'Keeffe and Bovin's report, a paper by Datta and Jeffery determined a structure for the mineral based on the incorrect formula Cu12Cu4O14. The formula originated from incorrectly assuming that Frondel's analysis was of a homogeneous crystal of paramelaconite.
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