Chalcopyrite: properties and colors of the mineral, the origin and application

Chalcopyrite is popular for its unique and unusual coloring. There are several types of coloring, and each has found its application in the jewelry art.

Chalcopyrite has a golden yellow color, so it looks like gold. In another way it is often called copper pyrite. There are many interesting facts about the mineral, and some physical properties distinguish it from gold. Besides the fact that the stone is very beautiful, it is also affordable.

In some countries it is known as malachite, in others - as “peacock ore”. One of the species really shimmers in different colors, which is very similar to a rainbow. Chalcopyrite is most commonly known as a brass yellow mineral with the chemical composition CuFeS 2. It is formed in most sulphide deposits throughout the world. They began to extract the stone more than a thousand years ago, and then they began to use it as a decoration, a talisman and an additional assistant in the treatment of certain diseases.

It fades, becomes gray-green, but in the presence of acids it can begin to overflow with various paints. It is the iridescent shades of aged chalcopyrite that attract the attention of jewelers. Some souvenir shops sell the mineral, which is specially treated with acid.

Chalcopyrite is a mineral that is a copper iron sulphide. The color may be dark brown, sometimes even black. The crystals resemble a tetrahedron and an octahedron, but they are slightly asymmetric and therefore are classified in a tetragonal system.

According to the physical characteristics, mass fraction of iron and copper may differ, depending on the deposit. This is a completely opaque stone, with a density of from 4.1 to 4.3, and if a crack appears on the surface, it is unevenly distributed. The stone is fragile, so Mohs hardness is only 3-4, which is why chalcopyrite is referred to as fragile minerals.

The stone is in the group of simple sulphides. The mineral has a unique composition, so it burns, this property is embedded even in the name, because “pyros” means “fire”. Find the mineral really in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Distinguish from gold by a small test. Gold is soft, gives a yellow stripe and has a much higher specific weight. Chalcopyrite is fragile, leaving a black stripe. Complex semiconductors are part of the chalcopyrite family and are located in the middle of the ternary system.

Chalcopyrite is formed under various conditions. Some of them are primary, then the stone crystallizes from melts of related minerals in igneous rocks. Some forms of magmatic segregation are found in stratified rocks, others are found in pegmatite and contact metamorphic rocks. It is known that many volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits contain chalcopyrite.

The most significant mineral deposits are hydrothermal in origin. Related ore minerals include pyrite, sphalerite, bornite and chalcocite. Chalcopyrite serves as a source of copper for many secondary mineral deposits. Copper is extracted from it in the process of weathering.

Chalcopyrite is a fairly common mineral. The largest deposits are in England, Romania. Large crystals are found in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. Small specimens are being mined at the Dreislar mine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. In China, large crystals are found in Hunan Province.

Minerals are mined in the Sverdlovsk region, in Russia. Many accurate chalcopyrite crystals are found in Mexico: Zacatecas, Concepción del Oro and San Martin. The mine at Cerro de Pasco in Peru also deserves attention.

In the US, mining is conducted in three states:

• Kansas;
• Oklahoma;
• Missouri.

In Pennsylvania, found large crystals that are highly appreciated by collectors.

In industry, chalcopyrite is used as copper ore. This method has been around for more than five thousand years. Some ores contain significant amounts of zinc, replacing iron, others - silver or gold. In addition, the mineral has a special magical value, special properties are attributed to it in the methods of alternative medicine. Economic use of the stone does not have.

Chalcopyrite is also known as the mystic stone, because it can open the crown chakra and channels for the flow of information.

This crystal helps meditation, improves perception. Chalcopyrite develops and strengthens the inner vision.

This crystal, according to some followers of alternative medicine, can improve hair growth, especially if it is combined with rhodochrosite. It has a positive effect on pressure. The stone can rid the body of toxins, it also has the ability to protect against the side effects of long medical procedures. Of the other healing properties of chalcopyrite, the following can be distinguished:

• positive effect on inflammatory processes in the body;
• has an antimicrobial effect;
• activates the digestive system;
• improves metabolism, respectively, can be worn to people who want to lose weight;
• positive effect on appetite;
• can be used as an additional assistant in addressing issues of skin diseases;
• It has a positive effect on sleep and the psyche of a person, so it should be worn with constant nervous tension.

Like most stones and crystals of golden hue, chalcopyrite is a mineral of abundance. He draws wealth and abundance into life, which is why talismans bring good luck with him. Chalcopyrite resonates strongly with the solar plexus chakra, which is also known as the energy one.

Chalcopyrite is a gem that can enhance an owner’s ability to succeed in business. It is often used as an amulet, which allows you to make a profit to the maximum. This stone favors the merchants, helps to establish communication and gain the necessary communication skills. Chalcopyrite is also called copper pyrite, it contains the energy of pyrite and copper, therefore it symbolizes fire and love.

Chalcopyrite is useful for fixing "standing" energy. Its good to use when you need to overcome the decline of good luck. Mineral will help solve problems, strengthen weak energy. Stone charms are used as a means of protection from evil spirits. They feel good negative energy and help to avoid its negative impact. This gem leads its owner in the right direction.

People who lack a geological formation do not see differences between pyrite and chalcopyrite. It seems to them that there is no difference, since the raw minerals are outwardly very similar.However, there are certain diagnostic signs.

The name "fool's gold" is associated with pyrite, because it is most often found. Chalcopyrite is also confused with the precious metal, but it can release sulfur when interacting with an acid. The chemical composition of pyrite is FeS 2, chalcopyrite is CuFeS 2. Pyrite does not contain copper, and it is in the second mineral.

Chalcopyrite fits all signs of the zodiac, and he is ready to give each representative certain privileges.

• Astrologers claim that chalcopyrite has a positive effect on relationships, therefore it is recommended to wear it. Arieswho want to find a soul mate or are ready to start a family.

• Good luck in business and assistance in the work of the mineral promises Taurus signs more mundane. It should be worn by those who seek to purchase their own housing.

• Humble and shy Twins chalcopyrite will help to find a new social circle, moreover, carrying the mineral has a positive effect on health, helps to reduce allergic reactions.

• For health, chalcopyrite is advised to wear and CancerBecause it quickly deals with inflammation, it destroys harmful microorganisms.

• Despite its hot temper, Lions possess an insecure kind, although they are inclined to hide it from others with all their might. Mineral can be an assistant in this matter, will give confidence, will allow to implement the planned tasks.

• Virgin stone promises harmony in the family and good health, Libra he will give confidence, however, like Scorpios, who are inconsistent, so they often change plans.

• Sagittarius prone to committing many mistakes in life, the mineral helps to avoid them, put on the right path, improve the nervous state, sleep.

• If a Capricorn confronted with a difficult situation for themselves, then chalcopyrite gives the necessary amount of strength to cope with it. Wearing an amulet from this mineral allows the Aquarius to overestimate their own lives and make it more understandable, first of all, for themselves.

• Disease prone Pisces Chalcopyrite must always be carried with them, as it strengthens the immune system, improves overall health.

Read more about chalcopyrite in the next video.