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Chalcopyrite

Chalcopyrite, a copper-iron sulphide, is the most widespread copper mineral, and one of the most important sources of that metal.

Chalcopyrite is formed under a great variety of conditions. Most sulphide ore deposits contain some chalcopyrite. It is associated with other minerals such as sphalerite, galena, cassiterite and pyrite. Numerous showings of chalcopyrite have been recorded from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gold

Gold (Au) is a precious metal used in jewelry. It has many industrial and medical applications. Gold generally occurs in a native state, i.e., it only rarely forms compounds with other minerals such as tellurium. Most gold is commonly found in quartz veins in association with pyrite and other sulphides. Visible gold is rare and most gold is detected by chemical analysis.

Hematite

Hematite (Fe2O3) is an iron oxide and it is the most important and widely used source mineral for iron. Good quality specimens are also used as a semi-precious gemstone, Alaska Black Diamond. Hematite is frequently found as an accessory in igneous rocks and may be associated with magnetite in special circumstances. Some huge deposits of hematite are of sedimentary origin.

Molybdenite

Molybdenite (MoS2), commonly called "Moly", is a molybdenum sulphide that is the principal source of molybdenum. Molybdenite is the most common molybdenum mineral and is found as an accessory in some granites. It also occurs with other mineralization, such as scheelite, wolframite, topaz, copper and fluorite. Molybdenum has many applications as a special steel alloy.

Native Copper

Native copper (Cu) is the naturally occurring elemental form of copper. Copper was one of the first metals used by man. It has many uses and in the home water pipes and electrical wires are made from copper. The photograph shows a typical sample of native copper. Native copper is most commonly associated with basic extrusive igneous rocks, particularly in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. Native copper is also common in the Bay of Fundy region of Nova Scotia. It is usually associated with other copper-bearing minerals such as chalcocite and bornite.

Pyrite

Pyrite (FeS2) is an iron sulphide that commonly has a pronounced cubic structure with striated surfaces. It is found in almost any type of geological environment. Sometimes it is mistaken for gold, because of its yellow colour, hence the name "Fool's Gold".Pyrite is by far the most common and widespread sulphide mineral. It is found in almost any geological environment. It is rarely of economic importance itself, but its presence calls attention to areas that may contain important economic minerals.

Sphalerite

Sphalerite (Zn,FeS) is a zinc sulphide that supplies the bulk of the world's supply of zinc. Sphalerite is usually found in association with galena in the most important deposits of these metals. It can also be associated with chalcopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite and magnetite. The world's annual production of cadmium is obtained as a by-product of the zinc smelting process.