Mineral Species: Chalcopyrite

Chemical Formula: CuFeS2

Chemical Name: Copper Iron Sulphide

Mineral Class: Sulphide

Mineral Notes: Chalcopyrite is the most widespread copper mineral and is an important ore of the metal. The mineral is the end member of a series with iron that also includes Bornite, Covelite, Chalcocite and ending as native copper.

 Description: The main feature of this specimen are the very unusual triangular crystals of the Chalcopyrite. In addition there are larger octahedral crystals with stepped faces. These formations indicate that the ore was deposited under high pressure conditions, severely distorting normal crystal form. The brassy colour is darker than usual, with greenish undertones.

Location: Da Ye, Hubei, China.