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

The production of copper from chalcocite is performed by roasting the Cu2S in air to produce the Cu.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

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 • May 25, 2012

Below this is a zone carrying copper in the form of chalcopyrite, enriched by chalcocite deposition from above, ranging in thickness up to 400 feet.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

The essential fact appears to be that as enrichment progresses and chalcocite increases the process of enrichment becomes slower in action, and erosion may, in some circumstances, overtake it.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)

Not only has the process been duplicated in the laboratory, but the common coating of chalcocite around grains of pyrite and chalcopyrite below the water level indicates that this process has been really effective.

From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)