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Chalcopyrite
Chalcopyrite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Chalcopyrite? |
Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide. It is the most commonly encountered copper mineral and is the most important ore of copper. Chalcopyrite deposits are found in hydrothermal veins, void fillings and replacements in limestones, contact metamorphic deposits and magmatic separations. Minor amounts are found throughout many igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. |
Uses |
Chalcopyrite is an important ore of copper. |
Color |
brass yellow |
Streak |
greenish black |
Luster |
metallic |
Diaphaneity |
opaque |
Cleavage |
poor |
Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
Specific Gravity |
4.1 - 4.3 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
color, streak, softer than pyrite |
Crystal System |
tetragonal |
Chemical Classification |
sulfide |
Chemical Composition |
copper iron sulfide, CuFeS2 |
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Chalcopyrite, auriferous with pyrrhotite from Rouyn District, Quebec, Canada.
This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Crystallized chalcopyrite on dolomite from Baxter Springs, Kansas.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Chalcopyrite from Rouyn District, Quebec, Canada.
This specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Chalcopyrite from Ajo, Arizona.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Chalcopyrite from Park City, Utah.
This specimen is approximately 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) across.
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A close-up of the crystallized chalcopyrite on dolomite from Baxter Springs, Kansas.
Actual specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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More Information About Minerals!
Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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