| General Information |
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| Chemical Formula | Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Physical Properties of Covellite |
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| Mohs Hardness | 1.5 to 2Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Specific Gravity | 4.6 to 4.76Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Tenacity | FlexibleAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Cleavage Quality | PerfectAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Optical Properties of Covellite |
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| Optical Character | Uniaxial/+Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Pleochroism | Marked, deep blue to pale blue.Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Dispersion | StrongAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Colour |
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| Colour (General) | Indigo-blue or darker, commonly highly iridescent, brass-yellow to deep red.Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Causes of Colour | Blue and orange pleochroism, Band theoryW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011) |
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| Transparency | OpaqueAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Lustre | Resinous,Pearly,Dull (Earthy),SubmetallicAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Crystallography of Covellite |
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| Crystal System | HexagonalAnthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Habit | Forms hexagonal plates as large as 10 cm, flattened, which may exhibit hexagonal striae; as rosettes of nearly parallel plates; commonly massive and foliated.Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Geological Environment |
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| Where found: | Most commonly of secondary origin in the zone of oxidation in sulfide copper deposits. Rarely of primary hydrothermal origin. Widespread in most copper deposits; common as an iridescent tarnish on other sulfides.Anthony et al, Handbook of mineralogy (2001) |
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| Further Information |
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| Mineral information: | Covellite information at mindat.org |
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