The facts
What chalcopyrite actually is
Mineralogically, chalcopyrite is chalcopyrite — CuFeS₂, crystallising in the tetragonal system.
The colour is caused by metallic brass-yellow; the iridescent blue-purple 'peacock' colours are surface oxidation films, not body colour. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 4.1–4.3; cleavage is indistinct {011}.
Where chalcopyrite comes from
The recognised sources are Cornwall (Wheal Gorland, Redruth), England, Sanmenxia and Huaibei, China, Ani Mine, Akita, Japan and Kazakhstan (Dzhezkazgan).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How chalcopyrite is treated
Most 'peacock ore' sold in shops is chalcopyrite or bornite deliberately treated with acid to force a bright iridescent tarnish; natural tarnish is subtler and patchier. This is rarely disclosed and is the main honesty issue with the material. Softer than pyrite and a deeper brassy yellow, which separates the two.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What chalcopyrite is confused with
The usual confusions are Pyrite, Bornite, Gold and Pyrrhotite.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 4.1–4.3, hardness of 3.5–4, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What chalcopyrite is used for
Chalcopyrite is bought by mineral collecting, wellness and body care, heavy industry and metallurgy — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the kilo or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Hardness 3.5–4; cleavage indistinct {011}. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What chalcopyrite costs
Indicative pricing for chalcopyrite is Acid-treated 'peacock ore' $1–$10; genuine crystallised specimens $20–$800.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is chalcopyrite treated, and how?
Most 'peacock ore' sold in shops is chalcopyrite or bornite deliberately treated with acid to force a bright iridescent tarnish; natural tarnish is subtler and patchier. This is rarely disclosed and is the main honesty issue with the material. Softer than pyrite and a deeper brassy yellow, which separates the two.
Where does chalcopyrite come from?
Cornwall (Wheal Gorland, Redruth), England, Sanmenxia and Huaibei, China, Ani Mine, Akita, Japan and Kazakhstan (Dzhezkazgan). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is chalcopyrite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does chalcopyrite cost?
Indicatively Acid-treated 'peacock ore' $1–$10; genuine crystallised specimens $20–$800. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is chalcopyrite confused with?
Most often Pyrite, Bornite, Gold and Pyrrhotite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 4.1–4.3, hardness and magnification.
What is chalcopyrite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, wellness and body care, heavy industry and metallurgy. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for chalcopyrite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about chalcopyrite