a copper iron sulfide mineral and the most abundant copper ore mineral. It has the chemical formula CuFeS₂ and contains 34.5% copper in its purest form. Named in 1725 by Johann Friedrich Henckel from the Greek "chalkos", copper, and "pyrites", strike fire. Its color is brass yellow, often with an iridescent tarnish. Due to this appearance, it is one of the minerals that is nicknamed “Fool’s Gold”.
synonym: fool's gold
see also: copper sulfide minerals
Note: Chalcopyrite accounts for more than half of the world's copper production. It is found in many types of copper deposits, especially porphyry and volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) systems.