Bornite (Peacock Ore), Large

Also known as Peacock Ore, this copper iron sulfide is naturally reddish-brown in color.  When bornite tarnishes, the surface transforms into a characteristic blue-purple iridescence. The more precious metal elements in the stone (gold, platinum, silver, etc.), the more colorful the stone. Named for Austrian mineralogist Ignaz von Born (1742-1791), bornite has a hardness of 3 and is found in Colorado, Montana, Alaska, Mexico and B.C. Bornite is a protector against negative thoughts and beliefs.