How do I identify Chalcocite?

Chalcocite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale, Blue black color, Metallic luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Chalcocite?

Chalcocite typically appears in Blue black, gray, black, black gray, steel gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Chalcocite?

Chalcocite has a hardness of 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

Chalcocite

A variety of Chalcocite-digenite Group

Rare

Chalcocite specimen - rock identification

What is Chalcocite?

Chalcocite is one of those minerals that every collector wants, but not everyone can come by because it rarely crystallizes into an eye-catching form. It is localized to specific areas around the world, most notably Cornwall, England. This mineral is comprised of almost 80% pure copper, making it the most profitable ore to mine for copper production.

Etymology & Origins

The term chalcocite comes from the alteration of the obsolete name chalcosine, from the Greek khalkos, meaning copper. It is also known as redruthite, vitreous copper and copper-glance.

Uses & Applications

Chalcocite is a source of copper in some areas, though more common sources are typically preferred. Copper is used in a wide variety of applications, from electrical equipment to coins to sugar detection. Chalcocite is also collected, although high-quality crystals are rare.

Chalcocite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Chalcocite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Chalcocite Localities Map

See where Chalcocite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Chalcocite

Chalcocite is sometimes found as a primary vein mineral in hydrothermal veins. However, most chalcocite occurs in the supergene enriched environment below the oxidation zone of copper deposits as a result of the leaching of copper from the oxidized minerals. It is also often found in sedimentary rocks. It has been mined for centuries and is one of the most profitable copper ores. The reasons for this is its high copper content (66.6% atomic ratio and nearly 80% by weight) and the ease at which copper can be separated from sulfur. Since chalcocite is a secondary mineral that forms from the alteration of other minerals, it has been known to form pseudomorphs of many different minerals. A pseudomorph is a mineral that has replaced another mineral atom by atom, but it leaves the original mineral's crystal shape intact. Chalcocite has been known to form pseudomorphs of the minerals bornite, covellite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, enargite, millerite, galena and sphalerite.