bornite

[ bawr-nahyt ]

noun

1. a common mineral and important ore of copper, copper iron sulfide, Cu 5 FeS 4 , occurring in masses, of brownish color when first exposed to the air; peacock ore.

bornite

/ ˈbɔːnaɪt /

noun

1. a mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron that tarnishes to purple or dark red. It occurs in copper deposits. Formula: Cu 5 FeS 4 Also calledpeacock ore

Other Words From

• bor·nit·ic [bawr-, nit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bornite¹

1850–55; named after I. von Born (1742–91), Austrian mineralogist; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bornite¹

C19: named after I. von Born (1742–91), Austrian mineralogist; see -ite ¹

Example Sentences

For example, all the specimens of bornite and pyrrhotite examined yielded sulphuretted hydrogen with tartaric, citric, and oxalic acids, but chalcopyrite and pyrite do not.

From Project Gutenberg

In the easy recognition of the secondary copper sulphides, chalcocite, bornite, etc., the engineer finds a finger-post on the road to extension in depth; and the directions upon this post are not to be disregarded.

From Project Gutenberg

Much of the copper of commerce is made from chalcopyrite and bornite, and these ores are more difficult to work.

From Project Gutenberg