Information about Chalcocite

Appearance

An opaque, dark grey-black ore of Copper which typically forms in massive or granular forms, but can exhibit interesting growths of monoclinic crystals.

Uses and History

Originally named chalcosine in 1832, from the Greek ‘chalkos’, meaning ‘copper’. It was later renamed to chalcocite in 1862 by James D Dana and George J Brush.

Historically the material was known by various names, especially amongst miners – redruthite, copper glance.

Chalcocite is one of the most profitable and important copper ores, containing a significant percentage by weight (sometimes up to 80%!). It is also relatively easy to seperate copper from sulphur.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalcocite
• https://www.mindat.org/min-962.html
• https://museum.wales/mineralogy-of-wales/database/?mineral=179&name=Chalcocite
• http://webmineral.com/data/Chalcocite.shtml