Treated Chalcopyrite – Perfect for Display or Jewelry Making

SIZE: 10-20mm (Range)

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SKU: RS0959 Category: Tags: ,

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Description

All of our Minerals & Crystals are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity!

Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulfide mineral that crystallizes in the tetragonal system. It has a brassy to golden yellow colour and a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. Its streak is diagnostic as green tinged black. On exposure to air, chalcopyrite oxidises to a variety of oxides, hydroxides and sulfates.

Treated chalcopyrite are specimens that have been treated with acid to give them a blue and purple iridescence, which enhances their visual appeal. In nature the surface of chalcopyrite loses its metallic luster and brass-yellow color upon weathering. It tarnishes to a dull, gray-green color, but in the presence of acids the tarnish can develop a red to blue to purple iridescence.

**Warning: Contains copper which can cause serious health issues if not handled correctly. DO NOT hammer or break this rock up.

Treated, from Mexico

SIMILAR TO SEEN: The image shows an example of the single specimen you will receive. This will be picked from our stock box graded and with a size within the minimum and maximum size range indicated. It will not be the exact specimen in the photo, the colours, shape, size and style may vary as with any natural item.