mineral
Chalcopyrite on Quartz
CuFeS2 (Chalcopyrite) with SiO2 (Quartz)
Brass-yellow to golden color with iridescent tarnish, metallic luster, Mohs hardness 3.5-4 for chalcopyrite and 7 for quartz, tetragonal crystal structure (chalcopyrite), specific gravity 4.1-4.3
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Physical properties
Brass-yellow to golden color with iridescent tarnish, metallic luster, Mohs hardness 3.5-4 for chalcopyrite and 7 for quartz, tetragonal crystal structure (chalcopyrite), specific gravity 4.1-4.3
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and magmatic deposits under high temperature and pressure conditions alongside quartz veins
Uses & applications
Major ore of copper, highly valued mineral specimen for collectors, used in scientific research
Geological facts
Often called 'fool's gold', chalcopyrite can develop a bright iridescent rainbow tarnish naturally or when treated with acid, earning it the nickname 'peacock ore'
Field identification & locations
Identified by its brassy metallic sheen embedded in milky quartz, softer than pyrite and streak is greenish-black; found in copper mines worldwide
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