Chalcopyrite
Copper iron sulphide, a brassy mineral found in tiny amounts in chondrites and iron meteorites.
Key facts
- Formula
- CuFeS2
- Family
- Sulphides
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
What it is
Chalcopyrite is a sulphide of copper and iron, the most important ore of copper on Earth. It is brass-yellow, softer than pyrite, and often tarnishes to iridescent colours.
Where it is found
In meteorites it is a minor mineral, found as tiny grains in troilite and around metal in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites, and in sulphide nodules in iron meteorites. In CI and CM chondrites some copper sulphides formed during alteration by water.
How it is recognised
In reflected light it is brighter yellow than troilite or pentlandite. Its identity is confirmed by microprobe analysis.
Did you know?
Copper is so rare in meteorites that native copper and chalcopyrite are among its few homes.
Its name comes from the Greek for copper and pyrite.