|
Home »
Minerals »
Chalcocite
Chalcocite
Mineral Properties and Uses
What is Chalcocite?
Chalcocite is an iron sulfide mineral and an important ore of copper. It is most commonly found as a supergene mineral in the enriched zones of sulfide deposits. It is also occurs in hydrothermal veins.
Physical Properties of Chalcocite |
| Uses |
Used as an ore of copper. |
| Color |
black, blackish lead gray |
| Streak |
grayish black |
| Luster |
metallic |
| Diaphaneity |
opaque |
| Cleavage |
Poor |
| Mohs Hardness |
2.5 - 3 |
| Specific Gravity |
5.5 - 5.8 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
color, soft, sooty appearance |
| Chemical Composition |
copper sulfide, Cu2S |
| Crystal System |
monoclinic |
More from Geology.com |
 | Sunstone: a feldspar with aventurescence caused by light reflecting from platy inclusions. |
|
|
 |
 | Salt Glaciers are masses of salt that flow downslope under their own weight. |
|
|
 | What is a Maar? The second most common volcanic landscape feature on Earth. |
|
 | Minerals are the building blocks of our society. We use items made with them every day. |
|
|
 | Rocks Galleries of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock photos. |
|
|
 |
| Chalcocite from Butte, Montana. This specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. |
| Chalcocite from Musina, South Africa. Specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across. |
|
| 
