chalcocite

[ kal-kuh-sahyt ]

noun

1. a common mineral, cuprous sulfide, Cu 2 S: an important ore of copper.

chalcocite

/ ˈkælkəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a lead-grey or black mineral, found as a copper ore or in veins. It is a source of copper. Composition: copper sulphide. Formula: Cu 2 S. Crystal structure: orthorhombic

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcocite¹

1865–70; irregular chalco- + (anthra)cite

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcocite¹

C19: changed from earlier chalcosine, from Greek khalkos copper + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Orvana has received approval to mine chalcocite, a mineral that is primarily copper, in a project here that the company says will create $2 billion in economic activity over 20 years.

From New York Times

Owing to the frequent presence of mechanically admixed chalcopyrite and chalcocite, the published analyses of erubescite show wide variations, the copper, for example, varying from 50 to 70%.

From Project Gutenberg

At Butte for instance, secondary chalcocite is clearly to be recognized.

From Project Gutenberg

In the easy recognition of the secondary copper sulphides, chalcocite, bornite, etc., the engineer finds a finger-post on the road to extension in depth; and the directions upon this post are not to be disregarded.

From Project Gutenberg

The present tendency at Butte is to consider as secondary chalcocite only certain sooty phases to be found in upper levels.

From Project Gutenberg