mineral
Chalcopyrite
CuFeS2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, brass-yellow to golden color often with iridescent tarnish, metallic luster, and tetragonal crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, brass-yellow to golden color often with iridescent tarnish, metallic luster, and tetragonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in hydrothermal vein deposits and magmatic segregation deposits associated with igneous activity.
Uses & applications
The single most important ore mineral for copper production and occasionally collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Often nicknamed 'fool's gold' due to its superficial resemblance to gold, though it is softer and leaves a greenish-black streak.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its brassy yellow color, metallic luster, lower hardness than pyrite, and greenish-black streak; found globally in major copper-mining regions.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous