Chalcopyrite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Islam90" title="User:Islam90">Islam90</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameChalcopyrite
Chemical FormulaCuFeS2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemtetragonal
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavagepoor/indistinct on {011}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity4.2
Colorsbrass-yellow, golden-yellow, iridescent (tarnished)
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, including Sudbury (Canada), Butte (USA), Chuquicamata (Chile)
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usesprimary ore of copper, collector's specimens
Associated Mineralspyrite, sphalerite, galena, quartz, bornite
Raritycommon
Description
The image shows a microscopic view of chalcopyrite under polarized light, appearing as a finely granular, light yellowish-white material with darker, irregular inclusions. Macroscopically, it is a brassy yellow mineral.
Geological Context
Chalcopyrite is a widespread ore mineral found in various geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, porphyry copper deposits, volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits, and sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposits, forming under diverse temperature and pressure conditions.
