Chalcopyrite (copper pyrite) is a mineral that forms solid masses and crystals. However, well-formed crystals are rare. It is found mainly in hydrothermal veins. Used as the main ore of copper.
You can see chalcopyrite stone for sale and buy it in the Minerals of Russia online store.
General | |
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Category | Sulfide mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) |
CuFeS2 |
IMA symbol | Ccp |
Strunz classification | 2.CB.10a |
Crystal system | Tetragonal |
Crystal class | Scalenohedral (42m) H-M symbol: (4 2m) |
Space group | I42d |
Unit cell | a = 5.289 Å, c = 10.423 Å; Z = 4 |
Identification | |
Formula mass | 183.54 g/mol |
Color | Brass yellow, may have iridescent purplish tarnish. |
Crystal habit | Predominantly the disphenoid and resembles a tetrahedron, commonly massive, and sometimes botryoidal. |
Twinning | Penetration twins |
Cleavage | Indistinct on {011} |
Fracture | Irregular to uneven |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 3.5 |
Luster | Metallic |
Streak | Greenish black |
Diaphaneity | Opaque |
Specific gravity | 4.1 – 4.3 |
Optical properties | Opaque |
Solubility | Soluble in HNO3 |
Other characteristics | magnetic on heating |