Chalcocite (cc)

Abstract

This chapter describes the important copper ore Chalcocite (abbrv. cc), as seen with optical, reflected light microscopy. Compositional data, main properties and optical parameters are first summarized (introductory table and preliminary remarks). The microscopic description of the ore is then presented, following a systematic scheme.

This comprises qualitative observations under the four common microscope settings (single polarizer/crossed polars; dry/immersion objectives). The description is illustrated by 9 selected, high-quality full-colour photomicrographs under the four settings (d/osp, d/o + p), enriched by a discussion of paragenesis and of the diagnostic properties for identification of the ore, and supported by quantitative specular reflectance information, mostly new spectra in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) ranges, unpublished to date and useful for automated identification with computer vision (AMCO System).