Cuprite Meaning and Properties
Cuprite History
Cuprite, also called red copper ore, is a soft, heavy, red oxide mineral that is a major ore of copper and is still mined in many places around the world. It was given its name from the Latin cuprum for its copper content by William Karl Ritter von Haidinger in 1845. Previously, it had been known by several names. Cuprite comes from the oxidized zone of copper lodes and takes the form of crystals, grains, or earthy masses. Its crystals are transparent to translucent and red to a deep red that can appear almost black. For jewelry, cuprite is mostly used as cabochons and beads.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Cuprite?
In the metaphysical realm, cuprite, known as the stone of survival, is believed to help satisfy physical needs while diminishing worries. Cuprite is said to stimulate the root chakra. Cuprite meaning is thought to be associated with grounding of the total body as well as increasing vitality and energy. It is also said to help with vertigo and altitude sickness. Cuprite meaning vibrates to the number 2, and its astrological signs are Virgo, Capricorn and Taurus.
What is Cuprite Made From?
Cuprite is formed most often during the interaction of groundwater and copper minerals or from the weathering of copper deposits. Cuprite crystals are octahedral or cubic, rarely dodecahedral, sometimes highly modified. Cuprite has metallic luster and very high refractive index. Most cuprite crystals are too small to create faceted gemstones, although large gem-quality crystals have been found in Africa. Faceted cuprite, no matter how large or small, is prized for its appearance—deep garnet coloring and higher brilliance than a diamond—thus making it a most collectible gem. Only the gem's soft nature prevents it from being among the most valuable jewelry stones. Cuprite is primarily found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, the Altai Mountains in Mongolia and the island of Sardinia, with other deposits found in Bolivia, Chile, England, France, Zaire and the United States.
- Mineral Information: Copper oxide mineral
- Chemical Composition: Cu2O
- Color: Dark red to cochineal red, sometimes almost black
- Hardness: 3-1/2 to 4 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 6.14
- Refractive Index: 2.849
How Do You Clean Cuprite?
Cuprite is a soft stone with a low Mohs hardness, and its surface can be easily damaged. Cuprite jewelry components can be safely cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild soap. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth. Avoid chemicals such as household bleach and do not use ultrasonic cleaners.
Cuprite FAQ
Q: Is cuprite a good alternative to turquoise?
A: Natural cuprite is red, making it an unlikely substitute for turquoise on its own. However, when paired with blue-green chrysocolla, the fine reddish cuprite inclusions can resemble the natural veining seen in turquoise. As a result, chrysocolla-cuprite gemstones can bear a striking resemblance to turquoise.
Q: Is cuprite good for bracelets?
A: With a Mohs hardness of 3-1/2 to 4, the relatively soft cuprite should be reserved for jewelry that does not get rough wear. Use it in necklaces, brooches and earrings instead.
Q: How should cuprite be stored?
A: Cuprite should be stored separately from jewelry containing harder stones or metals that might scratch its surface. To keep your delicate cuprite pieces safe, use a soft cloth pouch or a velvet-lined jewelry box.
Q: Is cuprite more valuable to mineral collectors than jewelry-makers?
A: Because of its fragile nature and rarity, cuprite is not often used in jewelry designs. Those very qualities, however, make it valuable to mineral collectors.
Designing with Cuprite
According to Itten's Color Theory, the red of cuprite has analogous colors of brown, purple and orange. Because they are near each other on the color wheel they can easily be paired with each other. A complementary color to red (on the other side of the color wheel) is green (e.g. emerald), which provides a satisfying high contrast. Yellow-green (e.g. peridot) and blue-green (e.g. aquamarine) are split complementary colors to red which means they provide lots of design opportunities.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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