Cupromakovickyite
Chemical formula: Cu¹⁺₄Ag¹⁺Pb²⁺₂Bi³⁺₉S²⁻₁₈
A rare sulfide of copper, silver, lead, and bismuth, forming microscopic, metallic inclusions in other minerals.
Properties
- Mohs hardness
- 4-4.5
- Color
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Streak
- Gray
- Density
- 6.78
- Cleavage
- None
- Fracture
- Irregular/Uneven
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
Diagnostic features
## Identification Identification of cupropavonite is possible only through advanced laboratory methods, such as electron microprobe analysis (EDS/WDS) to determine chemical composition and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm crystal structure. Visually, in a polished section under a microscope, it can be recognized as creamy white, slightly anisotropic inclusions in other sulfides. ## Distinguishing from similar minerals Under the microscope, it can be confused with other bismuth sulfosalts, such as pavonite, makovickyite, hodrushite, or kupcikite. Definitive differentiation requires quantitative chemical analysis, especially of the copper, silver, lead, and bismuth ratios. ## Crystal forms Cupropavonite occurs as anhedral (irregularly shaped) grains and lamellae not exceeding several hundred micrometers, most often as inclusions in hodrushite.
Geological environment
## Genesis Cupropavonite forms as a result of hydrothermal processes in ore veins. In the type locality (Banská Hodruša), it is a product of the alteration (solid-state decomposition) of a pre-existing mineral, kupcikite, at temperatures below 312 °C. This process leads to the formation of intergrowths of cupropavonite and hodrushite. ## Mineral associations This mineral coexists with hodrushite, kupcikite, pavonite, makovickyite, quartz, hematite, and chalcopyrite. ## Localities The only confirmed and detailed described locality of cupropavonite in the world is the Rozália vein in Banská Hodruša (Hodruša-Hámre) in the Štiavnica Mountains, Slovakia. This is its type locality.
Rarity
Extremely rare
For collectors
## Quality criteria Cupropavonite does not form macroscopic specimens, therefore it is not an object of collector's trade in the traditional sense. Its value is purely scientific. For research institutions and specialized systematic collections, the only criterion is to possess a sample from the type locality where the presence of the mineral has been confirmed by analysis. The visual attractiveness of the specimen depends solely on the host mineral in which cupropavonite occurs as a microscopic inclusion.
Care and storage
## Cleaning Specimens containing cupropavonite, being microscopic inclusions, practically do not require cleaning. If it is necessary to remove dust from the matrix mineral, only compressed air or a very soft brush should be used. ## What to avoid Avoid all wet cleaning methods and the use of ultrasonics, which could damage the delicate surface of the host mineral. As a sulfide, it is potentially sensitive to chemicals and oxidation in a humid environment, which can lead to its degradation. ## Storage Specimens should be stored under stable conditions, in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight and chemical contaminants. The best solution is a sealed collector's box or display case.