chalcopyrite
Definition
Noun: A naturally occurring, brassy yellow mineral consisting of copper, iron, and sulfur (chemical formula CuFeS₂). It is the most important and widespread ore of copper.
Usage and Examples
As a mineral specimen:
- The geologist identified the shiny, metallic rock as chalcopyrite.
- The museum's collection features a large, beautiful crystal of chalcopyrite.
As an economic ore:
- The mine primarily extracts copper from chalcopyrite.
- Processing chalcopyrite to obtain pure copper is a complex metallurgical process.
Advanced Usage
- In mineralogy, chalcopyrite is often distinguished from the similar-looking mineral pyrite (fool's gold) by its deeper, more brassy yellow color and its softer texture.
- The term is used in economic geology to classify copper deposits, such as "porphyry copper deposits rich in chalcopyrite."
Variants and Related Words
- Copper pyrites: An older, synonymous name for chalcopyrite.
- CuFeS₂: The chemical formula representing chalcopyrite.
Synonyms
- Copper iron sulfide: A descriptive synonym based on its chemical composition.
- Yellow copper ore: A common industrial term.
Notes on Meaning
Chalcopyrite has one primary meaning as a specific mineral and ore. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses, as it is a technical, scientific term.
Noun
-
a yellow copper ore (CuFeS2) made up of copper and iron sulfide
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