Tenorite
Description
A dark gray copper oxide mineral with a metallic luster. Tenorite was named for G. Tenor, in Naples about 1860. While it can occur as an ore, tenorite has also been found as an alteration product of cuprite forming a thin dark layer over the red. The presence of tenorite as a patina may indicate the object was heated before or during burial (Scott 1997). In a basic environment of a burial site, tenorite has also been found as an alteration product of azurite (Gutscher et al 1989).
Synonyms and Related Terms
copper (II) oxide; cupric oxide; melaconite; tenorita (Esp.); Tenorit (Deut.); tenoriet (Ned.)
Other Properties
Monoclinic crystal system. Luster is metallic. Insoluble in water
| Composition | CuO |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 |
| Melting Point | 1065 |
| Density | 5.8-6.4 |
Additional Information
D.Scott, "Copper Compounds in Metals and Colorants: Oxides and Hydroxides" Studies in Conservation, 42:93-100, 1997. D.Gutscher, B.Muhlethaler, A.Portmann, A.Reller, "Conversion of Azurite into Tenorite" Studies in Conservation, 34:117-122, 1989. D.A.Scott, Copper and Bronze in Art:Corrosion, Colorants and Cosnervation, Getty Publications, Los Angeles, 2002.