Chalcopyrite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dschwen" title="User:Dschwen">Daniel Schwen</a> (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Mineral NameChalcopyrite
Chemical FormulaCuFeS2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtetragonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish black
Cleavagepoor/indistinct {011}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.1
Colorsbrassy yellow, golden, iridescent blue, purple, green
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, found in many major copper deposits
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of copper, collector specimens
Associated Mineralspyrite, sphalerite, galena, bornite, quartz, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a blocky, massive piece of chalcopyrite exhibiting a brassy yellow to golden metallic luster, with noticeable iridescent blue, purple, and green tarnish on its surfaces.
Geological Context
Chalcopyrite is a common mineral found in a wide range of geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, disseminated in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits.
