Chalcopyrite, haematite and pyrite. Los Bronces Mine, Chile
250µm
Tabular haematite (blue) and subhedral pyrite (pale yellow-white, centre bottom) are intergrown with chalcopyrite (yellow). The relief difference between the harder haematite and softer chalcopyrite can be seen clearly (centre right). Pyrite carries small chalcopyrite (centre bottom) and haematite inclusions (centre). Radiating prismatic crystals of tourmaline (dark grey, bottom left) form the main gangue. Black areas are polishing pits and the section shows relief.
Polished block, plane polarized light, x 80, air
