Tenorite
A variety of Minerals
What is Tenorite?
Tenorite is a copper oxide mineral with the chemical formula CuO.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Tenorite 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.
Tenorite Localities Map
See where Tenorite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Tenorite
Tenorite occurs in the weathered or oxidized zone associated with deeper primary copper sulfide orebodies. Tenorite commonly occurs with chrysocolla and the copper carbonates, azurite and malachite. The dull grey-black color of tenorite contrasts sharply with the often intergrown blue chrysocolla. Cuprite, native copper and Fe–Mn oxides also occur in this environment. In addition to the hydrothermal, tenorite also occurs as a volcanic sublimate from Vesuvius, Campania, and Etna, Sicily, Italy. As a sublimate it occurs with copper chlorides, alkali chlorides and cotunnite. The Vesuvian sublimate occurrence was originally named melaconise or melaconite by F. S. Beudant in 1832. Tenorite was named in 1841 after the Italian botanist Michele Tenore (1780–1861).
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Grey, black
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.515 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CuO
- Elements
- Cu, O
Also Known As
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Tenorite FAQs
How do I identify Tenorite?
Tenorite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Grey color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Tenorite?
Tenorite typically appears in Grey, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Tenorite?
Tenorite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of tenorite of Tenorite?
Tenorite occurs in the weathered or oxidized zone associated with deeper primary copper sulfide orebodies. Tenorite commonly occurs with chrysocolla and the copper carbonates, azurite and malachite. The dull grey-black color of tenorite contrasts sharply with the often intergrown blue chrysocolla. Cuprite, native copper and Fe–Mn oxides also occur in this environment. In addition to the hydrothermal, tenorite also occurs as a volcanic sublimate from Vesuvius, Campania, and Etna, Sicily, Italy. As a sublimate it occurs with copper chlorides, alkali chlorides and cotunnite. The Vesuvian sublimate occurrence was originally named melaconise or melaconite by F. S. Beudant in 1832. Tenorite was named in 1841 after the Italian botanist Michele Tenore (1780–1861).
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