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Chalcopyrite

Chalcopyrite

MNHN N°203.233

visu_583 infos
FROM : Ravin d'enfer, Moutiers, la Tarentaize valley, Savoie, France
SIZE : Main crystal: 4 x 2.9 x 2.5 cm

general description

This sample is made of a chalcopyrite crystal on a matrix of quartz and calcite.

One can see malachite (green coating), the result of alteration of chalcopyrite. The crystal is opaque, greenish-black colored and partly golden-yellow (non-altered part). The main crystal measures 4 x 2.9 x 2.5 cm.

This specimen was discovered in 1999 in Ravin d'enfer in Savoie, France. The Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle obtained this specimen thanks to support from Total.

It is kept in the reserves of the collections of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (i.e., not yet displayed to the public).

Photography: A. Dahmane / Photo Saint-Hilaire,
© MNHN.
The Species page
Identity card
SPECIE : Chalcopyrite

HISTORY : Name derived from Greek words "χαλκοσ" [khalkos] meaning copper and "πυροσ" [pyros] meaning "fire"

Species described in 1725 by Johann Friedrich Henckel (1679-1744), director of Freiberg Mines

Type-locality: unknown

CHEMICAL FORMULA : Cu Fe S2
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Tetragonal
COLOR : Yellow brass, iridescent
DIAPHANIETY : Opaque
LUSTER : Metallic
STREAK : Greenish black
MORPHOLOGY : Tetrahedral crystals. More often compact
HARDNESS : 3,5-4,0
DENSITY : 4,283

CHEMICAL CLASS : II - Sulfures, sulfosels
GROUP : Chalcopyrite
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : 2/C.03-10
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 2.CB.10
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