Chalcopyrite

/ˌkælkoʊˈpaɪraɪt/ noun

Definition

A common mineral made of copper, iron, and sulfur that is the most important ore used to extract copper metal.

Etymology

From Greek 'chalkos' (copper) and 'pyrites' (fire-striker), combining the words for the two metals it contains. The name reflects both its copper content and its metallic, shiny appearance similar to iron pyrite.

Kelly Says

Chalcopyrite is sometimes called 'fool's gold' because inexperienced miners confused it with real gold, but it's actually far more valuable—it's how we get most of the copper in the world, which powers everything from electricity grids to smartphones.

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