Cochise College          Photos of Minerals

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                          Roger Weller, geology instructor

                          [email protected]
                                  copyright 2006-R.Weller
 

Mineral Information on:
chalcopyrite

Chemical Group:    sulfide

Chemical Formula:    CuFeS₂

Color:  strong brassy yellow on fresh surface
     chalcopyrite often tarnishes, sometimes iridescent  

Luster:  metallic           Transparency:  opaque                                                                       

Streak:  greenish black

Hardness:  3.5 to 4          Specific Gravity:  4.1 to 4.3                 

Fracture:  uneven

Cleavage: sometimes observed

Crystal Forms and Habits:  Tetragonal system
  Chalcopyrite commonly crystallizes as tetrahedrons.
  Chalcopyrite is often found in massive form.

Mineral Associations:  galena, dolomite, bornite, sphalerite

Identifying Characteristics:  bright brassy metallic color

Uses:  copper ore

Occurrences:  Tri-State district; Butte Montana 

Toxicity:      when-swallowed- moderate        when inhaled- moderate

Additional Information: