chalcoaliet
Chalcoaliet is a mineral that belongs to the chalcopyrite group. Its chemical formula is CuSnS2, meaning it is a compound of copper, tin, and sulfur. Chalcoaliet is a relatively rare mineral, often found in hydrothermal veins and some skarn deposits. It typically occurs as small, granular aggregates or as inclusions within other minerals. The color of chalcoaliet is generally a dull metallic gray to black. Its streak is also typically gray. It is opaque and possesses a metallic luster. The hardness of chalcoaliet on the Mohs scale is around 4, making it moderately soft. Its specific gravity is approximately 4.2 to 4.3. Chalcoaliet is not a widely recognized ore mineral, though it may be associated with other copper and tin deposits. Its discovery and characterization are primarily of interest to mineralogists and geologists studying ore genesis and mineral classification. It is often found in association with minerals such as chalcopyrite, stannite, and cassiterite. The geological conditions required for its formation are specific, typically involving elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of copper, tin, and sulfur-rich fluids.