Chalcopyrite facts for kids
Chalcopyrite is a common mineral. It is the most important source of copper metal. You can find it all over the world. This mineral is made of copper, iron, and sulfur. Sometimes people call it "peacock ore" because it can have shiny, colorful patches. It looks a bit like another mineral called bornite.
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What is Chalcopyrite?
Chalcopyrite is a type of mineral called a sulfide. This means it contains sulfur. It is a mix of copper, iron, and sulfur. Its chemical formula is CuFeS₂. It usually has a brassy yellow color. It can also look greenish-black when you see its powder.
Where is Chalcopyrite Found?
Chalcopyrite is found in many places around the world. It forms in different types of rocks. You can find it in igneous rocks, which are formed from cooled magma. It also appears in metamorphic rocks, which are changed by heat and pressure. It is often found with other minerals like pyrite and sphalerite.
How is Chalcopyrite Used?
The main use for chalcopyrite is to get copper. Copper is a very useful metal. It is used to make electrical wires because it conducts electricity well. It is also used in plumbing, coins, and many electronic devices. Without chalcopyrite, it would be much harder to get enough copper for all these things.
Identifying Chalcopyrite
Chalcopyrite has a few features that help identify it.
- Color: It is usually a brassy yellow. It can also have a rainbow-like shine on its surface. This shine is why it's called "peacock ore."
- Hardness: It is not a very hard mineral. You can scratch it with a steel file.
- Streak: When you rub it on a rough surface, it leaves a greenish-black streak. This is different from gold, which leaves a yellow streak. It's also different from pyrite, which leaves a black streak.
- Shape: Chalcopyrite crystals often form in a shape called tetragonal. This means they have a square base.
Chalcopyrite vs. Other Minerals
Chalcopyrite is sometimes confused with other minerals.
- Pyrite: Pyrite is also known as "fool's gold." It is more yellow and shinier than chalcopyrite. Pyrite is also harder and leaves a black streak.
- Gold: Real gold is much softer than chalcopyrite. It also has a bright yellow streak. Gold is also much heavier.
Images for kids
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Microscopic picture of chalcopyrite
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Brass-yellow chalcopyrite crystals below large striated pyrite cubes
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The unit cell of chalcopyrite. Copper is shown in pink, iron in blue and sulfur in yellow.
See also
In Spanish: Calcopirita para niños
