Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) and pyrite (FeS₂) are similar in appearance, but can be distinguished by the following methods:

1. Color

Chalcopyrite: brass color, often with an iridescent oxide film on the surface.

Pyrite: light brass color, usually brighter, similar to gold.

2. Streak

Chalcopyrite: green-black streak.

Pyrite: green-black to brown-black streak.

3. Hardness

Chalcopyrite: Mohs hardness 3.5-4.

Pyrite: Mohs hardness 6-6.5, significantly harder.

4. Luster

Chalcopyrite: metallic luster.

Pyrite: stronger metallic luster, often bright gold.

5. Crystal morphology

Chalcopyrite: common tetrahedral or pseudo-octahedral crystals, usually small.

Pyrite: common cubic, octahedral or pentagonal dodecahedral crystals, often with stripes on the crystal faces.

6. Density

Chalcopyrite: Density is about 4.1-4.3 g/cm³.

Pyrite: Density is about 4.9-5.2 g/cm³, which is significantly higher.

7. Chemical reaction

Chalcopyrite: Soluble in nitric acid, the solution is green.

Pyrite: Soluble in nitric acid, the solution is yellow.

8. Magnetism

Chalcopyrite: Usually non-magnetic.

Pyrite: Weakly magnetic, some samples can be attracted by magnets.

Summary

Chalcopyrite and pyrite can be effectively distinguished by color, streak, hardness, luster, crystal morphology, density, chemical reaction and magnetism.

Article Title: Identification method of chalcopyrite and pyrite
Author:Xingaonai
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