Copper pyrite is also called copper yellow ore. We analyze the features of this chemical compound, reveal its origin, occurrence in nature.
origin of name
Copper pyrites owes its name to the Greek word chalcos, meaning copper, and also pyros, fire. This mineral is often called chalcopyrite. Its main component of practical importance is copper pyrite.
Chemical Features
Two metals are present in this compound: iron and copper. There is also sulfur. The formula of copper pyrite is CuFeS 2 . The mineral consists of 34.57% of copper (by weight), 30.54% of iron, and 34.9% of sulfur. During chemical analysis, impurities of silver, gold, selenium, and tellurium were revealed in its composition. The compound has a tetragonal structure in which copper and iron surrounding sulfur are alternated.
Copper pyrites in nature can be found in drusen voids. The color of the mineral is golden yellow, brass yellow, there is a greenish tint, there is a metallic luster. Hardness is characterized by a range of 3-4, the mineral is opaque, the density is estimated at 4.2.
Chemical properties
Copper pyrite is highly soluble in concentrated nitric acid, and sulfur is released as a result of the interaction. In hydrochloric (hydrochloric) acid, it does not dissolve. Characterized by minor etching in potassium cyanide and nitric acid in polished sections. The structural features can be revealed by etching in pairs a mixture of concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acids. Copper pyrite, the photo of which is presented in the article, is an excellent conductor of electric current.
With increasing temperature, a decrease in resistivity is observed. If you act on a mixture of iron and copper oxides with hydrogen sulfide, you can get small crystals of chalcopyrite artificially. It can be formed in nature in different conditions. Chalcopyrite has been found in various igneous deposits, sedimentary rocks, and hydrothermal zones.
Prevalence in nature
It has been identified as a satellite in magmatogenic deposits of sulfide copper and nickel ores. Hydrothermal vein and metasomatic deposits are considered the largest ones.
Copper ore is gradually turning into pyrite, which is associated with pyrite, galena, sphalerite, and faded ores. In such deposits, the presence of calcite, quartz, barite, and various silicates is allowed. When weathering, chalcopyrite is destroyed, iron and copper sulfates are formed. The interaction of a copper salt with carbon dioxide or carbonates in the presence of oxygen and water leads to the formation of azurite and malachite.
As a satellite, chalcopyrite can be found in hydrothermal deposits of various sulfide ores. It is considered an essential component of such mixtures, has independent industrial use. On the territory of our country and neighboring countries, various genetic types of deposits are represented, where pyrite acts as the main component of copper ore.
Pyrite deposits were discovered in the Urals that are confined to sedimentary strata of Paleozoic age. The main mineral in such ores is pyrite. In the early stages of changes in the region of secondary sulfide enrichment, it is replaced by bornite, covelin, chalcosine. Among the weathering products, cuprite, malachite, limonite, and azurite are noted.
Among the highest temperature deposits that are associated with ultrabasic or basic rocks, Sudbury (Canada), Volkovskoye deposit (Ural), Monchetunda (Murmansk region) are distinguished. The most high-temperature deposits rich in copper pyrites are considered to be the molybdenum and tungsten formations.
Practical value
How is copper pyrite used? The use of this mineral is due to its copper content. It is used both in free form and in alloys (tompac, bronze, brass). The main consumer of copper is the electrical industry. An impressive amount is consumed in housing, the chemical industry, shipbuilding, and mechanical engineering.
In folk medicine, the mineral chalcopyrite is used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Some healers use chalcopyrite to treat eczema and dermatitis. The mineral helps get rid of nightmares, insomnia, nervous exhaustion.
Some people are sure that this stone attracts luck in trade. It is sought by women who dream of attention from the opposite sex. Chalcopyrite can be used as a charm for your home. This mineral has certain contraindications. Abuse of this stone leads to the appearance of allergic reactions, increased secretion of bile.
Conclusion
After a person studied the technology of melting from ores of pure metals, special attention began to be paid to the development of various deposits. In metallurgy, a special place belongs to the smelting of copper from various ores, including chalcopyrite. Copper pyrite occurs in various regions of the Earth. Depending on the depth of location, several methods are used in the extraction of this mineral. At shallow depths, mining is carried out in a quarry way. With the deep location of copper ores, the process of extracting the mineral is significantly complicated. On the territory of the Russian Federation, copper pyrite is found in the Urals, near Norilsk, on the Celtic Peninsula.
Since the 18th century, this mineral has been mined on the north-eastern slope of the Salair Ridge. Here is one deposit of copper pyrites. Geologists consider this ore to be the best in physical and chemical characteristics. Chalcopyrite is currently the main ore for the production of pure copper. This metal has excellent electrical characteristics, therefore it is from it that a variety of laboratory supplies, coils are created.