mineral
Chalcopyrite
Copper Iron Sulfide (CuFeS2)
Hardness: 3.5 to 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 to 4.3.
- Hardness
- 3
- Luster
- Metallic
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 to 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 to 4.3.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal vein deposits, pegmatites, and sedimentary rock sequences associated with igneous intrusions.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of copper; used as a mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Often called 'fool's gold' due to its brassy metallic look, though it is softer and more greenish-yellow than pyrite.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in copper-bearing ore deposits. Identified by its brassy yellow color and characteristic iridescent tarnish.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic