Chalcopyrite Mineral Specimen UK Copper Iron Sulphide Natural Crystal Genuine

Overview & Authenticity

This listing offers a genuine Chalcopyrite mineral specimen from the United Kingdom, carefully selected for its natural metallic character, colour, and geological integrity. The photographs show an example of the actual specimen you will receive, accurately representing quality, size, and appearance. Each piece is a naturally occurring mineral, chosen individually rather than bulk-sorted, ensuring a unique and authentic specimen.
The mineral is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, including a lifetime guarantee of genuineness, provided on a generic authenticity card. This makes it a reliable and secure addition to any mineral collection, educational resource, or display.

Mineral Identification & Classification

Chalcopyrite is a copper iron sulphide mineral with the chemical formula CuFeS₂ and is one of the most important copper-bearing minerals globally. It belongs to the sulphide mineral group and crystallises in the tetragonal crystal system.
The mineral is best known for its brassy yellow to golden metallic colour, which can develop natural iridescent tarnish over time, producing subtle blues, purples, and greens on the surface. This specimen falls within the 10–20 mm size range, making it ideal as a compact hand specimen or for inclusion in curated mineral drawers.

Geological Formation & UK Provenance

Chalcopyrite typically forms in hydrothermal environments, where hot, metal-rich fluids circulate through fractures in the Earth’s crust. As temperature and pressure conditions change, copper, iron, and sulphur combine and crystallise to form chalcopyrite within veins and disseminated deposits.
In the UK, chalcopyrite is commonly associated with historic mining districts and occurs within hydrothermal vein systems, often alongside quartz and other sulphide minerals. These deposits are the result of complex geological processes involving tectonic activity, fluid migration, and long-term mineral precipitation, contributing to Britain’s rich mining heritage.

Physical Characteristics & Morphology

This specimen displays the classic physical traits of chalcopyrite. Surfaces may show a strong metallic lustre with a warm yellow-gold tone, sometimes enhanced by natural surface oxidation. Crystal forms, where visible, may appear tetrahedral or irregular due to the mineral’s relatively soft hardness compared to similar sulphides.
Chalcopyrite is softer than pyrite, a mineral it is often mistaken for, and may show subtle surface wear or edge rounding consistent with natural geological formation. These features add character and confirm the specimen’s authenticity.

Scientific & Educational Value

Chalcopyrite is of significant interest to geologists and mineral collectors due to its economic importance and geological relevance. It is widely used in educational settings to illustrate sulphide mineral chemistry, ore mineral formation, and hydrothermal geological processes.
UK specimens are particularly valued for their connection to Britain’s industrial and mining history, providing tangible insight into the geological resources that supported metal extraction for centuries.

Collecting & Display Appeal

With a compact 10–20 mm size, this chalcopyrite specimen is ideal for mineral drawers, display cases, or comparative study collections. Its metallic sheen and colour variation allow it to stand out even at smaller sizes, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced collectors.
Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and lifetime guarantee, this genuine UK chalcopyrite mineral represents a visually appealing and geologically meaningful addition to any mineral or crystal collection.