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💏intro to chemistry review

Chalcopyrite

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral that is an important ore of copper. It is the most common copper-bearing mineral and a key source of copper, gold, and silver in the context of 19.1 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals and Their Compounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Chalcopyrite has the chemical formula CuFeS2 and crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system.
  2. It is the most important copper ore mineral, accounting for around 70% of the world's copper production.
  3. Chalcopyrite is often found associated with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite (FeS2) and sphalerite (ZnS).
  4. The copper in chalcopyrite is extracted through a process of roasting, smelting, and electrolytic refining.
  5. Chalcopyrite can also be a source of valuable by-products, including gold and silver, which are recovered during the copper extraction process.

Review Questions

  • Explain the significance of chalcopyrite as a copper ore mineral.
    • Chalcopyrite is the most abundant and important copper-bearing mineral, accounting for around 70% of the world's copper production. It is a key source of copper, as well as valuable by-products like gold and silver, which are recovered during the copper extraction process. The copper in chalcopyrite is extracted through a series of metallurgical techniques, including roasting, smelting, and electrolytic refining.
  • Describe the chemical and physical properties of chalcopyrite that make it a valuable mineral resource.
    • Chalcopyrite has the chemical formula CuFeS2 and crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system. Its copper content, along with the presence of other valuable elements like gold and silver, make it a highly sought-after mineral resource. Chalcopyrite is often found associated with other sulfide minerals, which can further enhance its value and the efficiency of extraction processes. The specific physical and chemical properties of chalcopyrite, such as its crystal structure and mineral associations, contribute to its importance as a key source of copper and other precious metals.
  • Analyze the role of chalcopyrite in the context of 19.1 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals and Their Compounds.
    • Chalcopyrite, as a copper-bearing sulfide mineral, is a crucial resource in the context of 19.1 Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Transition Metals and Their Compounds. Its abundance and importance as a copper ore make it a central focus of this topic, which explores the natural occurrence, extraction, and characteristics of transition metals and their compounds. The extraction and processing of chalcopyrite, including the various metallurgical techniques involved, are key aspects of this chapter's coverage of the preparation and properties of transition metal resources. Furthermore, the association of chalcopyrite with other valuable elements, such as gold and silver, highlights the diverse applications and economic significance of transition metal-bearing minerals.