A Geoscience Digital Image Library
A Geoscience Digital Image Library
| Title | Chalcopyrite and galena |
|---|---|
| Description | Here we see blocky galena (PbS) with tarnished gold chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). Although not visible on this surface, this specimen also contains sphalerite (ZnS). The association galena-chalcopyrite-sphalerite is common in many ore deposits. The name galena derives from the Greek name galene meaning “lead ore” - galena is the number one lead ore mineral. Chalcopyrite is the most common and important copper ore mineral, and is the most common sulfide in porphyry copper deposits. Galena is a cubic mineral and poorly formed cubes can be seen in this specimen. Some specimens of galena have a bright metallic luster, but this one does not. This sample is 9 cm across. |
| Photographer | Darla Sondrol. 2001-06-27. |
| Collection | University of North Dakota Mineralogy Collection #f32. |
| Key words | chalcopyrite, galena |
| Tech details | 787 KB. Hand specimen. Fujifilm FinePix S1Pro digital camera; 60mm AF Nikon micro lens. |
| GeoDIL number | 915 |
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