mineral
Chalcopyrite
Copper Iron Sulfide (CuFeS2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, Color: Brass-yellow often with a colorful iridescent tarnish (peacock ore), Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Tetragonal, Cleavage: Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3
- Hardness
- 3
Identified More mineral →
Explore Chalcopyrite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, Color: Brass-yellow often with a colorful iridescent tarnish (peacock ore), Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Tetragonal, Cleavage: Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 4.1-4.3
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary deposits, often associated with other copper and sulfide minerals.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of copper; also collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Chalcopyrite is frequently confused with pyrite and gold, earning it the nickname 'fool's gold.' Unlike gold, it is brittle and softer, and unlike pyrite, it has a deeper yellow color with a greenish-black streak.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in copper-bearing ore bodies. Identified by its brassy yellow color, metallic luster, and softness.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary