Title: Chalcopyrite
CAS Registry Number: 1308-56-1
Synonyms: Cupric ferrous sulfide; copper pyrites; yellow copper
Trademarks: Chalkopyrite; Kupferkies
Molecular Formula: CuFeS2
Molecular Weight: 183.52
Percent Composition: Cu 34.63%, Fe 30.43%, S 34.94%
Literature References: Occurs as a mineral. It is an important copper ore found in Canada, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Europe, Japan. Prepd synthetically by treating KFeS2 with an ammoniacal soln of Cu+ ions: Schneider,
J. Prakt. Chem. [2]
38, 569 (1888);
56, 415 (1897); Boon,
Rec. Trav. Chim. 63, 69 (1954).
Properties: Yellow brass-colored or bronze-colored crystals. Metallic, greenish sheen. Tetragonal crystal system. d 4.1-4.3. mp 950°. Specific heat 0.1291. Hardness 3.5-4.0. Soluble in nitric acid, but dissolves faster in aqua regia. Practically insol in hydrochloric acid.
Melting point: mp 950°
Density: d 4.1-4.3
NOTE: Copper iron sulfide of the formula FeS.2Cu2S.CuS occurs as the mineral
bornite.
Use: The ore as source of copper. The synthetic material in semiconductor research.