Covellite

Introduction: Covellite is a copper ore mineral, a characteristic indigo blue colour with small crystals usually less than 1cm long. Identifiable by a very soft sulphide, it is found in a number of copper deposits, in green-stone belts and dolomite hosted copper lead zinc deposits.

Distribution: Abenab and Matchless Mines, Kopermyn in the Outjo District and the Tiras Prospect south-west (40km) of Helmeringhausen. Kombat and Tschui and on occasions at Tsumeb Mine also produced covellite.

Composition: Sulphide

Crystal system: Hexagonal

Lustre: Dull, iridescent, metallic

Streak: Shiny grey-black

Hardness: 1.5-2