noun
- Plural of bornite; a mineral consisting of copper iron sulfide, typically with a purple or iridescent tarnish, used as an ore of copper.
Usage: mineralogy; geology
Examples
- Bornites are commonly found in copper deposits around the world.
- The geologist identified bornites in the rock sample by their distinctive iridescent surface.
- Miners extract bornites as a valuable source of copper ore.
- The purple tarnish on bornites gives them their nickname, peacock ore.
- Bornites often occur alongside other copper sulfide minerals in hydrothermal veins.