Chalcocite
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Description
A mineral composed of Cuprous sulfide. Chalcocite occurs in conjunction with other copper ores. It is a dark gray color with a bluish-green tarnish. Chalcocite is an important source for copper and is mined in Chile, Mexico, Nambia, England (Cornwall), Romania, the Ural Mountains and the U.S. (Montana, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Alaska, Connecticut, New Mexico).
Synonyms and Related Terms
copper glance; cuprous sulfide; calcosita (Esp.); calcocite (Port.); Kupferglanz, Chalcocit (Deut.); chalcosiet (Ned.)
Other Properties
Orthorhombic crystal system. Fracture = conchoidal; brittle. Cleavage = poor in one direction. Luster = metallic Streak = gray to black
| Composition | Cu2S |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Density | 5.5-5.8 |
Additional Information
Mineralogy Database: Chalcocite
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Henry Hodges, Artifacts: An Introduction to Early Materials and Technology, Ronald P. Frye, Kingston, Canada, 1988
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "chalcocite" Encyclopædia Britannica [Accessed December 11, 2001].
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 232
- Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
- Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976