chalcopyrite

[ kal-kuh-pahy-rahyt ]

noun

1. a very common mineral, copper iron sulfide, CuFeS 2 , occurring in brass-yellow crystals or masses: the most important ore of copper; copper pyrites.

chalcopyrite

/ ˌkælkəˈpaɪraɪt; -ˈpaɪə- /

noun

1. a widely distributed yellow mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron in tetragonal crystalline form: the principal ore of copper. Formula: CuFeS 2 Also calledcopper pyrites

chalcopyrite

/ kăl′kə-pī′rīt′ /

1. A brassy yellow, metallic, tetragonal mineral, usually occurring as shapeless masses of grains. Chalcopyrite is found in igneous rocks and copper-rich shales, and it is an important ore of copper. Because of its shiny look and often yellow color, it is sometimes mistaken for gold, and for this reason it is also called fool's gold. Chemical formula: CuFeS 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcopyrite¹

First recorded in 1825–35; chalco- + pyrite

Example Sentences

The cobalt ores at these localities occur with pyrites and chalcopyrite as bands in gneiss.

From Project Gutenberg

Both chalcocite and chalcopyrite frequently occur in silver-bearing rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Much of the copper of commerce is made from chalcopyrite and bornite, and these ores are more difficult to work.

From Project Gutenberg

Differs from chalcopyrite by paler color and much greater hardness.

From Project Gutenberg

Copper-glance readily alters to other minerals, such as malachite, covellite, melaconite and chalcopyrite.

From Project Gutenberg