CUBANITE
Specimen cub-3

Dims: 4.0" x 1.4" x 1.3" (10.2 x 3.6 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 4.24 oz. (120.4 g)

Henderson Mine #2, Chibougamau, Quebec, Canada

A crust made up of small Cubanite crystals partially coats the limestone host rock of this specimen. Most of the crystals are extremely small, not exceeding 1 or 2 mm in diameter, but one approaches 1/4" (7-8 mm), and there is part of a single face visible that spans almost 0.5" (1.3 cm). There is only a small amount of visible damage on the crust. The crystals are prismatic and appear to be hexagonal, which means that the Cubanite has undergone cyclic twinning. A few of the crystals, however, appear not to have a symmetrical shape, but this may be due to growth-related abnormalities. They have a dull golden color that appears more orange or brown in some areas and a metallic luster. They rest among a bed of small, colorless, transparent blades of calcite that also partially coat the black limestone host rock.

Dims: 1.6 x 1.3 x 1.2" (4.1 x 3.3 x 3.1 cm)

Wt: 2.0 oz. (58 g)

Marathon, Ontario, Canada

This hand specimen consists of a black and white host rock in which are embedded a few chunks of Cubanite. As only broken surfaces of the mineral are exposed, it is impossible to assess its crystal form, if it has any. It does have the standard brassy yellow color and metallic luster of its specie, and is accompanied by either some chalcopyrite or bornite, with its colorful iridescence.

Dims: 0.55x0.31x0.28" (1.4x0.8x0.7cm)

Wt: 6.80ct (1.36g)

Henderson #2 Mine, Chibougamu, Quebec, Canada

This is an excellent thumbnail specimen of cubanite. The crystals have a six-sided shape, the faces are striated, and the normal brassy color and metalic luster are evident. Other than the broken faces where the specimen was removed from its host, there is no damage.

Dims: 0.55x0.38x0.29" (1.40x0.97x0.73cm)

Wt: 5.8ct (1.16g)

Henderson #2 Mine, Chibougamu, Quebec, Canada

This is a cluster of cubanite crystals, the largest of which (over 7mm wide and 6mm long) dominates the specimen. While some smaller crystals are complete, the termination of the largest one is rather complex, largely due to the intergrowth of other cubanite crystals. The cubanite crystals have fine striations along their sides, and a brassy color with a metallic luster.