
Chalcopyrite
Virtual Museum ID: 19-KM4
Specimen Summary
Chalcopyrite is the most common ore mineral for copper and is a sulphide of iron and copper. Chalco comes from the Greek word chalko, meaning copper. Chalcopyrite is commonly found in sulphide deposits in most ore-forming environments. Chalcopyrite is an important copper ore mineral found in many different types of copper deposit. A characteristic deep brass yellow colour and iridescent green-to-purple weathering surfaces distinguish chalcopyrite from gold and sulphides such as pyrite. It is sometimes mistaken for Gold because of its bright yellow colour; however, it is harder, more common, and chalcopyrite commonly occurs with other copper sulphide minerals such as bornite and weathers to malachite and azurite.
Specimen Data
The information listed below relates to the current holding location or collection that the sample is from, and whether the item is viewable at that location or is part of a private collection. Coordinates are given as guides, and we remind you that collecting specimens from these locations is not allowed. Caution is advised visiting such sites and Below BC assumes no responsibility for any injuries or trespassing charges that may occur as a result of the viewer entering these sites.
Collection Details
Original Collection:
Kootenay Star Mining Museum (KM)Sub Collection:
-Collection ID:
KM_4Virtual Museum ID:
19-KM4Accessibility:
On displayDate Added to VM:
2019-06-10Location Information
Sample Origin:
Kaslo, B.C.Specific Site:
-UTM Easting:
506731UTM Northing:
5528856Datum:
11 (NAD 83)Coordinate Accuracy:
Specimen Details
VM Category:
MineralPrimary Features:
ChalcopyritePrimary Mineral Formula:
CuFeS2Primary Category:
sulphideSecondary Features:
Advanced Geological Information
The following section provides geological data relating to the specimen or the site it was collected from, when available. Information has been obtained from various sources including private and government datasets but may not be up to date. Any geological time periods or ages listed often relate to the primary geology of the area, and may not be the actual date of an event such as mineral formation.
Geological Formation:
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