chalcocite

[kal-kuh-sahyt]

noun

1. a common mineral, cuprous sulfide, Cu 2 S: an important ore of copper.

chalcocite

/ ˈkælkəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a lead-grey or black mineral, found as a copper ore or in veins. It is a source of copper. Composition: copper sulphide. Formula: Cu 2 S. Crystal structure: orthorhombic

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcocite¹

1865–70; irregular chalco- + (anthra)cite

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalcocite¹

C19: changed from earlier chalcosine, from Greek khalkos copper + _-ite ¹

Example Sentences

Orvana has received approval to mine chalcocite, a mineral that is primarily copper, in a project here that the company says will create $2 billion in economic activity over 20 years.

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Owing to the frequent presence of mechanically admixed chalcopyrite and chalcocite, the published analyses of erubescite show wide variations, the copper, for example, varying from 50 to 70%.

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At Butte for instance, secondary chalcocite is clearly to be recognized.

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In the easy recognition of the secondary copper sulphides, chalcocite, bornite, etc., the engineer finds a finger-post on the road to extension in depth; and the directions upon this post are not to be disregarded.

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The present tendency at Butte is to consider as secondary chalcocite only certain sooty phases to be found in upper levels.

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