Covellite - CuS

Habit: Generally massive and foliated, but can form hexagonal plates, when thin enough are flexible. Indigo-blue to black, sometimes highly iridescent to brass-yellow and deep red. SubMetallic Luster, ranging to resinous, opaque.

Environment: Associated with other copper minerals in the zone of secondary enrichment, rarely as a primary mineral

Etymology: Named for Niccolo Covelli (1790-1829) an Italian mineralogist who first described the mineral from the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.