Chalcopyrite
UNB-2018-0006Minerals » Sulphides
Description
Sample of brass-yellow compact Chalcopyrite that is tarnished purple. Labelled "Peacock Ore".
Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) can be brass-yellow or golden-yellow and is often tarnished iridescent, deep blue, purple or black. Lustre is metallic and streak is greenish black. Hardness is 3 1/2 to 4 and cleavage is poor in one direction. Chalcopyrite usually occurs as tetrahedral crystals with uneven crystal faces that may have striations in different directions. Chalcopyrite can also be massive, compact, granular or disseminated.
Specifications
| Object name | Chalcopyrite |
|---|---|
| ID | UNB-2018-0006 |
| Legal status | Permanent collection |
| Category | Mineral |
| Classification | Mineral group: Sulphides |
| Composition |
|
| Origin | Zacatecas, Mexico |
| Pieces | 1 |
| Partial | No |
| Measurements |
|
Map of Origin
Publications
- Chesterman, C.W. 1979. Audubon Society, Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. Knopf.