mineral
Chalcopyrite
Copper Iron Sulfide (CuFeS2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 3.5-4 on Mohs scale; brassy yellow to golden color often with iridescent tarnish; metallic luster; tetragonal crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness 3.5-4 on Mohs scale; brassy yellow to golden color often with iridescent tarnish; metallic luster; tetragonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary deposits associated with igneous intrusions.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of copper; occasionally cut as a collector mineral specimen or used in educational displays.
Geological facts
Often nicknamed 'fool's gold' due to its metallic luster and golden hue, though it is softer and more brassy than pyrite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive brass-yellow color, greenish-black streak, and softness compared to pyrite. Found globally in major copper-producing regions.
