chalcocite

American  

[kal-kuh-sahyt] / ˈkæl kəˌsaɪt /

noun

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

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chalcocite British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of chalcocite

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

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.

From New York Times

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%.

From Project Gutenberg

The primary copper mineral in the limestone is chalcocite, in exceptionally rich and solid masses, showing no evidence of having replaced earlier sulphides.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Below the oxidized and leached zone there is evidence of deposition of a large amount of secondary copper sulphide in the form of chalcocite.

From Project Gutenberg