Chalcopyrite (copper pyrite) is a soft stone related to minerals. Under natural conditions, it is often found in mines. Jewelers prefer not to make jewelry with this mineral. The fact is that although copper pyrite is beautiful, the metal that is part of the gem quickly enters into a chemical reaction with atmospheric oxygen.
Therefore, jewelry with chalcopyrite quickly oxidizes, becomes covered with a film, which worsens their appearance. The stone itself is brittle and breaks easily.
History of origin
Chalcopyrite is not a precious, but an ornamental stone. This mineral has been mined for more than two millennia - even before our era, people developed deposits of copper and tin, where they found this mineral.
And copper deposits are the most common on earth. This gem has been named differently over the centuries, but one name has remained common - copper pyrite. It is not surprising that the mineral received the following names:
- fool's gold;
- donkey gold;
- false gold;
- golden trick.
The official mineralogical name of the stone - chalcopyrite - appeared 300 years ago. "Chalkos" is translated from ancient Greek as "copper"; "Pyrite" is the name of a mineral that is similar in composition.
Mineral deposits
Chalcopyrite is found commercially everywhere. Chalcopyrite is mined in mines, where there are many polymetallic formations and copper-nickel ores.
The largest crystals of this mineral, mined in mines, are more than 50 cm. Such large stones are mined in deposits located in the Urals and in Puyva.
Small-sized chalcopyrite stones are mined:
- in Zhezkazgan (Kazakhstan);
- on the island of Honshu;
- in Isère (France);
- Zacatecas (in Mexico);
- In the south of Australia.
Often chalcopyrite is combined into a common rock with quartz, Druzes chrysolites. And subsequently this rock has to be broken into pieces in order to separate the minerals among themselves.
Places of extraction of various types of this mineral:
- calcite deposits are rich in small crystals of copper pyrite;
- in the Berezovsky mines in the Ural Mountains, green stones are found;
- in the deposits of the Japanese islands, there are many crystals with a pyramidal structure;
- in mines located in the countries of South America, ores of copper pyrite and falerite are found;
- in Norilsk (Russia) copper pyrites are mined, in which there are many impurities of other metals. The extraction of this mineral in these mines is considered unprofitable.
The most expensive are the minerals mined in the deposits of France. It has a beautiful golden hue, very rich in tone, and its glow is soft and pleasant. Such stones are valued very highly in the world market.
And the price of jewelry with Chalcopyrite stone mined in French mines is comparable to gold items. But it is not always possible to buy products from French copper pyrite, because such jewelry is in great demand.
physical properties
| Property name | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula | CuFeS2 |
| Composition | copper and iron sulfide. |
| Mohs hardness | 3,5 – 4 Feet |
| Color | Yellow with a golden hue. |
| Density | 4,1–4,35 g/cm³ |
| Transparency | Opaque. |
| Syngonia | Tetragonal. |
| Melting temperature | 1°C |
It should be noted that the mineral is very soft, easily oxidized. The surface of the stone can be scratched with a simple razor blade.
The impurities that make up copper pyrite are responsible for the color of the stone:
- silver inclusions;
- golden crumb;
- impurities of other precious metals.
Chalcopyrite can only be dissolved in sulfuric acid (sulfur precipitates during this reaction). But this mineral is insoluble in hydrochloric acid.
When interacting with air, another ornamental stone is obtained - malachite. But such a process is lengthy and can take centuries. The mineral is widely used in industry, where pure copper is obtained from its decomposition.
Medicinal properties
It is believed that this natural stone has the following properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antimicrobial;
- activate the work of the digestive tract (including the stomach, organs of internal secretion);
- normalize the metabolic process;
- improve appetite;
- help in the treatment of serious skin diseases (for example, dermatitis, eczema, etc.);
- help to get rid of night fears;
- improve night sleep;
- help with nervous exhaustion or constant stress.
In the process of wearing jewelry with this healing stone, bile production increases. But doctors believe that copper pyrite can provoke an allergy.
Magical properties
The magical and astrological properties of this gem have not yet been fully understood, so it is difficult to say how strong the magical properties of Chalcopyrite are. But in many countries, copper pyrite is considered a fairly strong amulet. This gem is used to create amulets.
In Europe, copper pyrite is considered the magic stone of women:
- by regularly meditating with him, women find their “soul mate”;
- the constant wearing of products with Chalcopyrite has a beneficial effect on the appearance of the female, having a rejuvenating effect, and also brings happiness.
Amulets made of copper pyrite are one of the most powerful in protecting dwellings from disasters caused by the elements, they save from floods, the penetration of thieves, and from robbery attacks. For such protection, it is enough to place processed minerals on the right side of all window sills in the apartment.
Esoteric experts claim that the gem is a happy talisman for merchants, attracting good luck to them in commercial activities. Any merchant who regularly wears products with chalcopyrite is lucky, and profits increase in any endeavor.
To make accurate and thoughtful decisions, it is recommended to regularly wear an amulet with copper pyrites.
Jewelry with mineral
Among jewelers, the mineral is not very popular because of its fragility. But some jewelers still use the gem when making earrings, bracelets, pendants. The stone is cut cabochon and then set in a silver setting. The mineral does not combine well with gold.
Stone types
The color of the gem can be varied from greenish and blue to variegated. And the color depends on the amount of impurities in the copper pyrite. There are yellow minerals (they are called donkey gold).
If there is a sufficient amount of black coal among the impurities, then the color of the gem will be close to black (such a nugget is called a “magnetic bead”).
How to distinguish a fake?
To distinguish Chalcopyrite from a fake, you should know what a natural gem looks like, since a fake, even a very skillful one, will not have all the hallmarks of copper pyrite.
Copper pyrite has a characteristic shade of green, shines quite dimly, and the reflection is two times less than that of gold. The mineral is not very durable, it is easy to break it into pieces.
You can determine the authenticity of the stone by passing it with any sharp object. If a trace of black with a greenish tint remains on it, this is copper pyrites, yellow color indicates that it is gold.
Caring for Chalcopyrite Products
Products with Chalcopyrite are often purchased in specialized stores. But such jewelry requires special care and storage. Products from this mineral should not be stored in the same box with other jewelry.
It is better to remove Chalcopyrite in special glass flasks, where it will be less oxidized.
Since the mineral is very fragile and quickly covered with an oxide film, its care consists in regularly removing the film from the surface of the stone with a soft cloth.
Chalcopyrite and the signs of the zodiac
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | Regular contact with the mineral helps to quickly create a family, to establish a personal life. |
| Taurus | The stone helps in business to achieve profitable cooperation. It also helps with the purchase of housing. |
| Gemini | Helps the owner to find new friends, improves the natural good nature of people born under this sign, helps to get rid of allergic reactions of the body. |
| Cancer | It helps to get rid of inflammatory processes in the body, and also kills pathogenic microorganisms. |
| a lion | The stone will add self-confidence and self-confidence to its owner, help in the implementation of the most ambitious ideas. |
| Virgo | It will relieve allergic reactions, help create coziness and harmonious relationships in the family in the house. |
| Scales | The stone gives confidence, protects against diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. |
| Scorpio | For people born under this sign, the mineral gives self-confidence, strengthens the life position of the owner of the talisman. |
| Sagittarius | Copper pyrite crystals will help its owner avoid mistakes. Sagittarius this stone will help improve night sleep. |
| Capricorn | In difficult life situations, the stone helps Capricorns, giving strength. |
| Aquarius | Amulets and talismans with chalcopyrite will help to correctly evaluate many things that were previously little understood. |
| Pisces | People born under this sign should regularly wear products with copper pyrites in order to get sick less. |
Application of Chalcopyrite
Astrologers claim that there is compatibility of the mineral with all the signs of the zodiac. Therefore, it can be worn by people born under any of the above signs.
On an industrial scale, copper pyrite is used to produce copper. Due to its cheapness, this mineral is the main source of this metal, although the amount of copper in nuggets is approximately 1/3.
Due to the beauty of the color of copper pyrite, the mineral is often found in the collections of stone lovers.
