Class : Sulfides and sulfosalts
    Subclass : Sulfides
    Crystal system : Cubic
    Chemistry : (Ni,Fe)S₂
    Rarity : Uncommon

Bravoite is an infrequent sulfide of iron and nickel, isomorphic with pyrite. It is found in basic to ultrabasic igneous rocks and in low temperature hydrothermal veins where it appears to be of secondary origin. It was named in honor of the Peruvian scientist José J. Bravo. Bravoite forms octahedral, cubic or pyritohedral crystals often sharp, reaching 1 cm, encrustations or nodular masses with fibroradiated texture. Bravoite crystals often show zoned growth with alternating bands of pyrite or intergrowths with this mineral. They are a light bronze hue, reminiscent of pyrite, and tarnish to a purplish steel-grey. It is an accessory ore of nickel and cobalt.

Main photo : Bravoite from Dashkesan, Azerbaijan © Boris Z. Kantor

No known twin for this mineral species. 

No fake recorded for this mineral species but very certainly often confused with other sulphides such as pyrite or chalcopyrite with which it is also commonly associated.