Covellite Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More

Covellite is a rare and mesmerizing gemstone prized for its beautiful indigo hues and spellbinding iridescence.

But there's more to covellite than just its striking appearance…

This stone is considered a hub for emotional and spiritual elevation — bringing peace, clarity, and insight to anyone who gets their hands on it.

Ready to uncover the secrets of covellite? Join us as we highlight covellite’s properties, meanings, origins, and more in our Covellite Gemstone Guide.

About Covellite Stone

Covellite is a semi-precious gemstone named after its discoverer, Niccolo Covelli.

What are other names for covellite?

• Covelline

• Blue Copper

• Indigo Copper

Covellite isn’t a traditional zodiac stone, but many crystal healers see it as a “Stone of Transformation” for those born under the Sagittarius sign in astrology.

So, how do you identify covellite from other gems? Its mineral traits will help you make the distinction.

Covellite Specifications & Characteristics

Covellite is a rare sulfide mineral and copper ore. It’s usually an alteration product of other copper sulfides, like chalcopyrite, chalcocite, and bornite (AKA peacock ore).

Does that mean that covellite is the same as peacock ore? While many tend to confuse covellite with peacock ore and chalcopyrite, some differences exist.

For one, covellite is much softer. Ranging between 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, you can scratch delicate covellite with a fingernail.

Covellite’s distinct blues, entrancing iridescent effect, and brassy inclusions (of chalcopyrite, pyrite, or bornite) also help distinguish it from other gems.

Rarely, small, metallic blue or purple inclusions of covellite in quartz can occur. These inclusions create striking and unique patterns that collectors highly prize.

Here’s an overview of covellite’s mineral traits:

• Covellite Formula: CuS

• Mohs hardness: 1½ to 2

• Color: Blue to blue-black; usually iridescent

• Crystal structure: Hexagonal

• Luster: Metallic

• Transparency: Opaque

• Refractive index: 1.45 to 2.62

• Density: 4.60 to 4.76

• Cleavage: {0001} Perfect

• Fracture: Irregular/Uneven

• Streak: Lead-grey to black

• Pleochroism: Present (Deep blue to blue-white)

Next, let’s peek into covellite’s past.

Covellite History

Covellite was discovered near Mount Vesuvius by Italian mineralogist Niccolo Covelli in 1790. Unfortunately, he passed before the stone could be recorded. However, French mineralogist Francois Sulpice Beudant officially named covellite in Covelli’s honor in 1832.

While copper minerals like covellite were important to early civilizations for making tools and weapons, there isn’t much evidence of covellite being used or valued in ancient cultures.

We do know that covellite’s use as a copper ore is centuries-old. The precise timeframe is difficult to pinpoint due to limited historical evidence. However, humans have mined copper for at least 10,000 years. Therefore, it’s likely that covellite was one of the minerals that early miners discovered and utilized.

Today, some parts of the world still mine covellite as a secondary copper source.

In terms of the metaphysical, covellite is a powerful healing stone for the mind, body, and spirit.

Covellite Healing Properties

Many believe covellite embodies potent metaphysical energy — capable of not only improving your emotional well-being but promoting spiritual growth, release, and transformation.

Emotional Healing

Emotionally, what is covellite used for?

Covellite’s harmonious energy fosters communication, self-awareness, and a positive outlook — making it your new secret weapon against emotional trauma.

This stone’s calming energy may also reduce anxiety, soothe subconscious fears, and promote a sense of tranquility.

Spiritual Healing

What is the spiritual meaning of covellite?

Covellite guides you to face your deepest fears and release past karma, allowing you to reconnect with your higher source.

Like many blue gems, you can use covellite as a chakra stone to balance your third eye (or Ajna) chakra. This energy point is your hub of perception, consciousness, and intuition.

Sometimes called a “Stone of Vision,” covellite strengthens your connection to inner wisdom. It helps you tap into psychic abilities, expanding your higher consciousness.

Moving on, how valuable is covellite? That depends on grading!

Covellite Gemstone Properties

Every gem is graded to determine its worth, rarity, and quality. For covellite, experts assess color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Color

Typically, what color is covellite? This stone is famous for its deep blue color variations and oil-slick-like iridescence. While blue covellite is highly prized, the rarest and most valuable colors are purple, followed by green.

Covellite's color varies with copper sulfide content, creating its range of hues.

Its famous iridescence is due to diffraction, a phenomenon where light splits into different colors as it passes through the crystal lattice. This creates a stunning play of color shimmering and changing as the stone shifts angles.

Cut

Covellite is usually only faceted when specimens are of exceptional quality and have deep, rich colors. As such, faceted gems are incredibly valuable and hard to find.

Because of its softness and tendency to cleave, covellite is instead cut into cabochons — yielding gorgeous, metallic stones.

You’ll also find covellite sold in its rough, uncut form. Many agree that covellite’s deep blue hues and metallic luster are best appreciated in its natural form.

Clarity

Covellite typically has mineral inclusions that may impact value. For instance, a covellite with a unique or visually-pleasing inclusion pattern (like dendritic inclusions) may be worth more than a stone with more common patterns.

The stone’s iridescent sheen is caused by thin layers of chalcocite and other copper sulfides forming on its surface. While this iridescence adds to the stone's beauty, it can also make seeing internal inclusions difficult.

The most valuable covellite is relatively free of visible inclusions and exhibits a deep, rich color and metallic luster.

Carat Weight & Size

Gem cutters usually cut cabochons from massive or foliated material. As a result, the covellite cabochons can be very large, up to several inches long.

In jewelry, the most common sizes of covellite typically range between 1 and 10 carats, with larger sizes being more uncommon.

Rough covellite, on the other hand, is sold in all kinds of sizes. You can find specimens weighing just a few grams or larger slabs weighing several pounds.

But before covellite makes it to appraisal, it needs to form.

Image credit: James St. John, Flickr

Covellite Formation & Sources

As discussed earlier, covellite is a secondary mineral in oxidized zones of copper sulfide deposits.

Covellite forms due to the weathering and alteration of primary copper sulfide minerals. The presence of sulfur-rich solutions in the surrounding rock facilitates its formation.

Globally, where is covellite most commonly found?

Mining Locations

The finest covellite still comes from Italy, but Montana (USA) is another famous locality for this mineral.

Other notable sources of covellite include:

• Argentina

• Australia

• Bosnia-Herzegovina

• Germany

• New Zealand

• Philippines

• Serbia

• United States (Arkansas, California, Colorado, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming)

Ready to add some covellite to your collection? You’ll want to prep your budget first.

Image credit: James St. John, Flickr

Covellite Price & Value

Due to covellite’s rarity and prized appearance, it can be a pricy stone to acquire compared to more mainstream gems.

Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect to spend:

Faceted covellite

Covellite is rarely faceted due to its softness and risk of damage, but you can find small faceted gems for sale. These small stones generally range between $50 to $150 per carat.

Cabochons

The most affordable cabochons are typically 1 to 2 carats, costing around $20-$50 per carat. Larger cabochons, over 10 carats, start at about $200 or more per carat.

Rough covellite

You’ll find rough covellite selling for around $10 to $30 per gram, depending on quality and size. Higher-quality specimens will fetch higher prices.

Covellite jewelry

Small, simple pieces generally cost a few hundred dollars, while larger, more elaborate pieces can cost you several thousand.

Covellite carvings

Covellite carvings can range from a few dollars to several hundred for larger, intricately-carved pieces.

Learning to care for your gemstones will keep your covellite beautiful for years.

Covellite Care and Maintenance

Every gem needs a little TLC to preserve its unique appearance — covellite is no different.

To clean your covellite, use a soft cloth, mild soap, and lukewarm water. Dry your covellite thoroughly and store it in an airtight container with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.

Other things to keep your covellite away from include:

• High heat or sudden temperature changes

• Prolonged sun exposure

• Harsh chemicals and detergents

• Ultrasonic or steam cleaners

• Harder gems and metals

Most lapidaries don’t recommend covellite for jewelry use, so they always suggest opting for protective settings if given a choice.

Stick to these tips, and your covellite will remain as mesmerizing as the day you purchased it.

Image credit: James St. John, Flickr

Shine Bright Like Covellite!

Covellite is a rare and enthralling crystal offering an equal blend of beauty and intrigue. Its deep blues and colorful shimmers make it a beautiful addition to any collection.

But this gem isn’t just visually stunning. Its unique and captivating appearance is paralleled by its soothing and mind-expanding energy.

Whether you're seeking inner peace or simply drawn to its mesmerizing beauty, covellite is a gem that truly stands out.

Buy covellite gemstones today!