Definition

A yellow mineral made of copper and iron sulfide, which is a significant source of copper.

Example

Chalcopyrite is often found in copper mines as a valuable ore.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of chalcopyrite?

Yeah, it's that mineral that's a major source of copper, right?

Exactly! I learned about it in my geology class last week.

That's cool! I didn't realize how important chalcopyrite is for mining.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chalcopyrite is formed from "chalco-" (from Greek "khalkos", meaning copper) and "pyrite" (from Greek "puritēs", meaning of fire or fiery, often referring to the mineral's brassy luster). The word describes a mineral that contains copper and has a fiery appearance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'copper' ('chalco-') and a 'fiery' look ('pyrite') to remember that chalcopyrite is a mineral that contains copper and shines brightly.

Visually Confused Words