Chalcopyrite and Pyrite Physical Properties

Chalcopyrite

Pyrite

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Physical Properties

Tenacity

Brittle

Solubility

Soluble

insoluble in water

Durability

Specific Gravity

4.1-4.35.00-5.20

1 7.18

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Fracture

Uneven

Uneven, Conchoidal, ConchoidalWalter Schumann

Cleavage

Indistinct on {011}

Indistinct on {001}; partings on {011} and {111}

Mohs Hardness

3.5-46-6.5

2 10

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Chemical Composition

CuFeS 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)

FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

Chalcopyrite and Pyrite Chemical Formula

While comparing Chalcopyrite and Pyrite physical properties, the important data you should know is its chemical composition. Since chemical formula defines the molecular structure of the crystal, most of the physical properties like color, tenacity, solubility are governed by Chalcopyrite and Pyrite chemical formula.

Chemical formula of Chalcopyrite- CuFeS 2Anthony et al , Handbook of mineralogy (2001)
Chemical formula of Pyrite- FeS 2Michael OâDonoghue , Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) More from other references

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Chalcopyrite and Pyrite Specific Gravity

Another important criteria for qualitative analysis of gemstones is Chalcopyrite and Pyrite Specific gravity. Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone compared with respect to density of water. Gemologists use Chalcopyrite and Pyrite Optical Properties during the identification of gemstone. Specific gravity of Chalcopyrite is 5.00-5.20 whereas that of Pyrite is 5.00-5.20.