noun
- a brass-yellow mineral consisting of copper iron sulfide, the most important ore of copper
Usage: mineralogy; geology
Examples
- Chalcopyrite is the primary source of copper in many mining operations worldwide.
- The geologist identified chalcopyrite by its distinctive brassy yellow color and metallic luster.
- Chalcopyrite crystals often form in hydrothermal veins deep within the Earth.
- Mining companies extract chalcopyrite ore and process it to produce pure copper.
- Under a microscope, chalcopyrite displays a characteristic tarnish pattern that helps distinguish it from other sulfide minerals.