General Information:
Chemical Formula:
CuFeS2
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 183.53 gm)
Iron 30.43 % Fe
Copper 34.63 % Cu
Sulfur 34.94 % S
Empirical Formula:
CuFe2+S2
Environment:
Common in sulfide veins and disseminated in igneous rocks.
Locality:
Numerous localities world wide. The most economically important mineral in porphyry copper deposits.
Name Origin:
From the Greek, chalkos, "copper" hence "Copper Pyrite."
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[112] Indistinct
Color:
brass yellow or honey yellow.
Density:
4.1 - 4.3, Average = 4.19
Diaphaniety:
Opaque
Habits:
Euhedral Crystals - Occurs as well-formed crystals showing good external form., Striated - Parallel lines on crystal surface or cleavage face., Druse - Crystal growth in a cavity whic h results in numerous crystal tipped sur
Hardness:
3.5 - Copper Penny
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Metallic
Streak:
greenish black
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