Chalcopyrite vs Pyrite

Property Chalcopyrite Pyrite
화학식 CuFeS2 FeS2
결정계 Tetragonal Cubic (Isometric)
광물 분류 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts
모스 경도 3.5-4.0 6.0-6.5
색상 Brass-yellow, often with iridescent tarnish Pale brass-yellow
광택 Metallic Metallic
조흔색 Greenish-black Greenish-black to brownish-black
투명도 Opaque Opaque
벽개 Poor Indistinct
단구 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.

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