Chalcopyrite vs Pyrite
| Property | Chalcopyrite | Pyrite |
|---|---|---|
| Formel | CuFeS2 | FeS2 |
| Kristallsystem | Tetragonal | Cubic (Isometric) |
| Mineralklasse | 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts | 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts |
| Mohshärte | 3.5-4.0 | 6.0-6.5 |
| Farbe | Brass-yellow, often with iridescent tarnish | Pale brass-yellow |
| Glanz | Metallic | Metallic |
| Strichfarbe | Greenish-black | Greenish-black to brownish-black |
| Transparenz | Opaque | Opaque |
| Spaltbarkeit | Poor | Indistinct |
| Bruch | Conchoidal to uneven | Conchoidal to uneven |
Key Differences
- ◆ Chalcopyrite is deeper, more brassy-yellow than pyrite's paler brass-yellow color.
- ◆ Pyrite is harder (6–6.5) than chalcopyrite (3.5–4); chalcopyrite can be scratched with a knife.
- ◆ Chalcopyrite has a greenish-black streak; pyrite has a greenish-black to brownish-black streak.
- ◆ Chalcopyrite is the most important copper ore (CuFeS2); pyrite is an iron sulfide (FeS2).
- ◆ Chalcopyrite often shows iridescent tarnish (peacock ore); pyrite typically stays bright.