Sulfide mineral

A mineral in which sulfur is chemically combined with one or more metals or semimetals. Many sulfide minerals are major sources of metals such as copper, lead, and zinc.

Sulfide: A chemical species containing sulfur bonded to another element, often in the oxidation state −2. Sulfide minerals are defined by sulfur’s chemical combination with metals or semimetals.
Pyrite: An iron sulfide mineral with formula FeS₂, commonly forming brassy metallic crystals. Its cubic crystals and resemblance to gold make it a recognizable sulfide example.
Hydrothermal circulation: The movement of heated, chemically reactive water through rocks and fractures. Hydrothermal fluids transport metals and sulfur that can precipitate sulfide minerals.
Ore deposit: A naturally occurring concentration of minerals from which valuable materials can be extracted economically. Sulfide minerals form many of the world’s economically important metal deposits.
Crystal structure: The regular three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid. Atomic arrangement distinguishes mineral species with similar chemical compositions.
Galena: A lead sulfide mineral with formula PbS and a characteristic metallic luster and cubic cleavage. It is the principal ore mineral of lead.
Magmatic sulfide deposit: An ore deposit formed when sulfide liquid separates from magma and concentrates metals. This process creates deposits rich in nickel, copper, and platinum-group elements.
Copper extraction: The industrial recovery of copper from ore through processes such as smelting and electrorefining. Chalcopyrite and other copper sulfides are major feedstocks for metal production.
Mohs scale: A scale ranking minerals by their resistance to scratching, from talc at 1 to diamond at 10. Hardness helps identify sulfide specimens alongside color and streak.
Chalcopyrite: A copper iron sulfide mineral with formula CuFeS₂, often showing a brassy color. It is a major copper ore and can be confused with pyrite.

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