Chalcopyrite
Copper
Iron Sulfide
CuFeS2
Chalcopyrite
(or copper pyrite), looks like, and is easily confused with Pyrite,
FeS2. Chalcopyrite is one of the minerals refered to as "Fool's
Gold" because of its bright golden color. But real gold is a more
buttery yellow and is ductile and malleable.
As an ore od copper, the yield of chalcopyrite is rather low in terms
of atoms per molecule. It is only 25%, compared to other copper
minerals such as chalcocite, Cu2S - 67%; cuprite, Cu2O
- 67%; covellite, CuS - 50% or bornite Cu5FeS4
- 50%. However the large quantities and widespread distribution of
chalcopyrite make it the leading source of copper. Chalcopyrite is a
common mineral and is found in almost all sulfide deposits. Fine
crystals of chalcopyrite have a unique character and can add to
anyone's collection.
|
