Properties of Chalcopyrite

Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula (CuFeS2). It is the most important ore of copper and is widespread in various geological environments. Chalcopyrite has a brassy yellow color that can tarnish to an iridescent purple or rainbow-colored surface.

Image of chalcopyrite mineral
Credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com - CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of chalcopyrite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Chalcopyrite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaCuFeS2
Molar Mass183.52 g/mol
Crystal SystemTetragonal
Mohs Hardness3.5 - 4
Density4190 kg/m3
ColorBrass yellow or honey yellow
DiaphaneityOpaque
LusterMetallic
Cleavage(011) indistinct
FractureUneven, brittle
StreakGreenish black
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point950 °C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity1.5×10-6 - 9.0×10-5 Ω·m

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.