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

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

From Project Gutenberg