{"product_id":"bornite-chalcopyrite-hingston-down","title":"Bornite \u0026 Chalcopyrite | Hingston Down Quarry, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking 485g Cornish mineral specimen featuring metallic bornite and chalcopyrite, displaying rich golden-brassy surfaces, coppery tones and beautiful areas of purple-pink iridescence. Originating from Hingston Down Quarry near Gunnislake, Cornwall, this specimen brings together dramatic natural colouration, complex sulphide mineralisation and the geological heritage of eastern Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its contrasting metallic colours, rugged formation and intricate surface textures, this specimen makes an unusual addition to a British mineral collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial specimen displays an irregular, naturally textured formation with extensive metallic mineralisation across its exposed surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most immediately striking feature is the contrast between brilliant golden-brassy patches and darker charcoal-grey mineral surfaces. Scattered across these areas are flashes of copper-pink, violet and magenta iridescence, creating a beautiful multicoloured metallic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe golden areas are consistent with the appearance of chalcopyrite, while the coppery and purple-toned surfaces are characteristic of tarnished copper sulphide minerals, including bornite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike polished or artificially enhanced specimens, this piece retains its rugged natural character, with uneven mineral surfaces, small cavities, exposed edges and variations in metallic lustre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral areas exhibit granular and finely crystalline textures, while other sections appear more compact and massive. Small recesses and darker openings add depth to the formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse and side surfaces reveal further golden mineralisation, rusty orange-brown alteration and darker metallic patches, making the specimen interesting to examine from multiple angles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural iridescence is particularly attractive under directional lighting, with the metallic surfaces reflecting different colours depending on the viewing angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing 485g, this is a substantial raw specimen with excellent visual appeal for collectors of Cornish minerals, metallic sulphides and unusual geological formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Minerals\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBornite (Cu₅FeS₄)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a copper iron sulphide mineral belonging to the orthorhombic crystal system, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFresh bornite typically displays a copper-red to bronze-brown metallic appearance. When exposed to air and natural oxidation processes, its surface may develop distinctive iridescent colours, including purple, blue, pink and violet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis colourful tarnishing has earned bornite the popular nickname \u003cstrong\u003ePeacock Ore\u003c\/strong\u003e, although that commercial name is also frequently applied to artificially treated chalcopyrite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBornite commonly occurs in hydrothermal mineral deposits alongside other copper-bearing minerals, including chalcopyrite, chalcocite and various secondary copper minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChalcopyrite (CuFeS₂)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a copper iron sulphide mineral belonging to the tetragonal crystal system, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5–4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is one of the most important copper ore minerals and is recognised by its characteristic brassy-yellow colour and metallic lustre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChalcopyrite forms in a wide range of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, magmatic deposits and metamorphosed mineral systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts surface may develop iridescent tarnishing through chemical alteration, sometimes producing colours similar to those associated with bornite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoth bornite and chalcopyrite are recorded from Hingston Down Quarry, making this mineral association consistent with the documented mineralogy of the locality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eQuarry History \u0026amp; Cornish Heritage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHingston Down Quarry\u003c\/strong\u003e is situated approximately 2km west of Gunnislake, within the parish of Calstock in eastern Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe quarry works a relatively small granite intrusion forming part of the wider Cornubian granite system, a geological province responsible for much of Cornwall's celebrated metalliferous mineralisation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe granite at Hingston Down is predominantly fine-grained biotite granite and forms part of a ridge between the larger granite masses of Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the granite are numerous mineralised fractures, joints and veins, many of which follow an approximately east-west orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese geological structures provided pathways for mineral-bearing hydrothermal fluids, allowing metallic sulphides and other minerals to crystallise within fractures and cavities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe quarry has become an important mineralogical locality because its granite workings have exposed a diverse range of mineralised veins and associated secondary minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDocumented minerals include chalcopyrite, bornite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, molybdenite, wolframite, scheelite, fluorite, quartz and numerous other species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHingston Down Quarry is particularly interesting because it exposes mineral associations associated with Cornwall's complex granite-related hydrothermal systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe site's mineralogy has attracted specialist study, including research into its ore-bearing veins and Alpine-type mineral cavities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA detailed study by Weiss, Green, Hooper and Elton, published in the mineralogical journal \u003cem\u003eLapis\u003c\/em\u003e in 2007, documented the diverse mineral occurrences of Hingston Down Quarry, including bornite and chalcopyrite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe quarry is also recognised in the Geological Conservation Review of England and Wales, which describes its granite geology, mineralised veins and important mineral occurrences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNearby \u003cstrong\u003eHingston Down Consols\u003c\/strong\u003e forms part of the wider historic mining landscape. However, the historic mine workings and the modern aggregate quarry are distinct localities and should not be confused.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile much of Cornwall's mining heritage is associated with underground tin and copper extraction, Hingston Down Quarry demonstrates how later quarrying activity has also contributed to the discovery and documentation of important British mineral specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpecimens attributed to Hingston Down Quarry offer collectors an opportunity to appreciate the complex geological processes that shaped Cornwall's mineral-rich landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention \u0026amp; Associated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn traditional crystal healing practices, bornite and chalcopyrite are associated with complementary symbolic qualities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBornite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Transformation, positivity, emotional balance and embracing change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChalcopyrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Confidence, creativity, personal growth and motivation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solar Plexus Chakra, Sacral Chakra and Crown Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Abundance and Spiritual Growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese associations belong to crystal healing traditions and are not scientifically established properties of the minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Formation \u0026amp; Symbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a natural raw mineral specimen, this piece retains its irregular shape, exposed metallic surfaces and intricate mineral textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBornite and chalcopyrite are formed through geological processes involving copper, iron and sulphur, often within mineral-rich hydrothermal environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe contrast between the golden metallic areas and purple-pink iridescence symbolically reflects transformation, change and the unexpected beauty of natural geological processes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRaw mineral formations are traditionally associated with authenticity, connection to the natural world and appreciation of the Earth's geological history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe colourful appearance of this specimen also makes it a particularly appealing piece for collectors who appreciate the natural diversity of metallic minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinerals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bornite \u0026amp; Chalcopyrite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuarry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hingston Down Quarry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gunnislake, Calstock, Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 485g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 92.0mm × 66.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural raw metallic sulphide specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brassy gold, copper, charcoal grey, purple and pink iridescence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLustre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Metallic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural uneven mineral surfaces, irregular edges, small cavities and areas of surface alteration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e One individual specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrice:\u003c\/strong\u003e £84.00\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou will receive the exact specimen photographed. Natural mineral specimens may contain fractures, uneven surfaces, cavities, delicate mineral growth and variations resulting from their geological formation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep dry and avoid chemical cleaners, prolonged moisture exposure or abrasive polishing. Handle gently and wash hands after handling. Do not use for crystal-infused drinking water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSources \u0026amp; References\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe following geological and mineralogical resources document Hingston Down Quarry and its recorded mineral occurrences:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/geoguide.scottishgeologytrust.org\/p\/gcr36\/gcr36_hingstondownqandconsols\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eGeological Conservation Review – Hingston Down Quarry and Hingston Down Consols\u003c\/a\u003e. Geological assessment originally published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, documenting the granite intrusion, mineralised veins and significance of the locality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/loc-880.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – Hingston Down Quarry, Gunnislake, Cornwall\u003c\/a\u003e. Mineral locality database recording bornite, chalcopyrite and numerous other minerals associated with the quarry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/locentry-2180.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – Bornite from Hingston Down Quarry\u003c\/a\u003e. Specific occurrence record confirming bornite as a documented mineral from the locality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/locentry-3263.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eMindat – Chalcopyrite from Hingston Down Quarry\u003c\/a\u003e. Specific occurrence record confirming chalcopyrite as a documented mineral from the locality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eWeiss, S., Green, D.H., Hooper, J.J. \u0026amp; Elton, N. (2007). Erzgänge und \"Alpine\" Klüfte: Die Mineralien des Hingston Quarry, Calstock, Cornwall. \u003cem\u003eLapis\u003c\/em\u003e, 32(11), 13–25, 54. Specialist mineralogical study cited in the Hingston Down Quarry locality records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eHistorical and geological references relate to the documented quarry locality. The provenance of this individual specimen is based on its supplied collection information. The mineral identification has not been independently laboratory verified. The presence of iridescent tarnishing alone does not conclusively distinguish bornite from altered chalcopyrite.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59237755421007,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_fa57fd67-8a52-455d-8a75-8596b232604a.png?v=1792785034","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/bornite-chalcopyrite-hingston-down","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}