👉 Porphyry is a mineralogy term that refers to a type of copper ore, which typically contains small crystals of iron oxides. The porphyry minerals are usually red or dark purple in color and are often found in areas of high temperature and pressure. Porphyry ores can be either sulfide or oxide minerals, with the latter being more common due to their higher melting points. Porphyry minerals are usually associated with volcanic activity, such as those in the mountains of South America.