Difference Between Chalcopyrite and Pyrite

1. Different definitions

Chalcopyrite: It is a sulfide mineral containing copper and iron elements, with the chemical formula CuFeS₂. It is one of the main ores for refining copper and is widely distributed in copper deposits around the world.

Pyrite: It is a sulfide mineral containing iron elements, with the chemical formula FeS₂. It is the main mineral raw material for extracting sulfur and making sulfuric acid, and is widely used in making sulfuric acid.

Different definitions

2. Different physical properties

Chalcopyrite: It is mostly copper-yellow, and some will appear in green, blue or purple colors due to oxidation, and sometimes there may be green-black streaks on the surface. It has a metallic luster, a hardness between 3.5-4, and generally appears in the form of blocks, granules, etc. It is a medium-density mineral with good conductivity, non-magnetic and opaque.

Pyrite: Bright light brass color, often mistaken for gold due to its bright metallic luster. Compared with chalcopyrite, it has a higher hardness of about 6-6.5, and often appears in blocky, granular, radial or grape-shaped aggregates, cubes, octahedrons or pentagonal dodecahedrons. It has a certain conductivity, is non-magnetic and opaque. In addition, pyrite will produce sparks when struck by hard objects, so it has been used as flint in history.

Different physical properties

3. Chemical composition

Chalcopyrite: The chemical formula is CuFeS₂, and the crystal structure belongs to the tetragonal system. It is mainly composed of 34.5% copper, 30.5% iron and 35% sulfur. In addition, chalcopyrite may also contain other trace elements such as gold, silver, zinc, and lead.

Pyrite: The chemical formula is FeS₂, and the crystal structure belongs to the cubic system. It is mainly composed of 46.6% iron and 53.4% sulfur. In addition, pyrite may also contain other trace elements such as gold, silver, nickel, and cobalt.

4. Different uses

Chalcopyrite: It is mainly the main raw material for refining copper. In the electrical industry, it is used to make wires, cables, motors, etc.; in building materials, it is used for pipes, decorative materials, etc.; in alloy manufacturing, it can be made into alloys with metals such as zinc, tin, and nickel; in the electronics industry, it is mainly used to make circuit boards, semiconductor devices, etc.; in transportation, it is mainly used to make parts for automobiles and trains. In addition, in scientific research and collection, it is often collected by mineral enthusiasts.

Chalcopyrite uses

Pyrite: It is the main mineral raw material for extracting sulfur and making sulfuric acid. At the same time, it has a complete crystal shape and a beautiful cubic or pentagonal dodecahedral crystal form, and is often collected and made into ornaments by mineral collectors. In addition, pyrite plays an irreplaceable role in the fields of chemical industry and agriculture.

Pyrite uses