COVELLITE, QUARTZ, SPHALERITE, Mt Gunson Mine, South Australia

Covellite, Sphalerite associated with tiny QUARTZ

Covellite, or covelline, is a rare mineral made of copper sulfide, represented by the formula CuS. This striking indigo blue mineral is typically found in small amounts as a secondary mineral, and while it isn't a major source of copper, it holds significant appeal for mineral collectors. Covellite usually appears in areas where copper sulfide deposits have undergone secondary enrichment, often forming coatings on other minerals like chalcocite, chalcopyrite, bornite, enargite, and pyrite. It can also replace other minerals in a process called pseudomorphism. The mineral was first identified at Mount Vesuvius and was officially named in 1832 in honor of Nicola Covelli.

Sphalerite, a sulfide mineral represented by the formula (Zn, Fe)S, serves as the primary source of zinc. This mineral occurs in various types of deposits, predominantly in sedimentary exhalative, Mississippi-Valley type, and volcanogenic massive sulfide formations. It is commonly found alongside other minerals such as galena, chalcopyrite, pyrite, and various carbonates and silicates, including calcite, dolomite, quartz, rhodochrosite, and fluorite.