Definition

Noun A heavy, dark gray mineral that is an important and valuable source of copper. It is a copper sulfide mineral with the chemical formula Cu₂S.

Usage

Chalcocite is used specifically as a geological and mineralogical term to identify this particular copper ore. - The primary ore mined at this historic site was chalcocite. - Geologists identified a rich vein of chalcocite in the new excavation.

Advanced Usage

• Secondary Enrichment: In geology, chalcocite is often discussed in the context of "secondary enrichment zones," where it forms from the alteration of other copper minerals, creating high-grade ore deposits.
  • The supergene zone of the deposit is characterized by a thick layer of secondary chalcocite.

Variants and Related Words

• Copper glance: A common synonym for chalcocite, referring to its metallic luster.
• Cuprite (Cu₂O): A different, red-colored oxide mineral of copper.
• Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂): A brass-yellow sulfide mineral that is the most common copper ore, often found alongside or altered to chalcocite.

Synonyms

• Copper glance

Notes on Meaning

While chalcocite refers strictly to the mineral Cu₂S, it is intrinsically linked to the industrial process of copper extraction. It is distinguished from other copper ores by its specific gravity (it is heavy for its size), dark gray color, and metallic luster.

Noun

1. a heavy grey mineral that is an ore of copper