The mineral chalcocite (Cu2S) and malachite (CuCO3 (OH)2) are two primary sources of copper. what is the oxidation state of copper in each of these minerals?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 10, 2018

You gots #Cu(+I)#...and #Cu(+II)#...

Explanation:

#"Chalcocite"# is #"cuprous sulfide"# or #"copper (I) sulfide"#, i.e. #Cu_2S#...sulfur as a Group 16 element, commonly forms an #S^(2-)# ion...and thus requires TWO cuprous ions....#Cu^(+)# to form a neutral salt.

#"Malachite"# is a carbonate hydroxide salt of #Cu(+II)#... i.e. #Cu_2CO_3(OH)_2#, i.e. #2xxCu^(2+) + CO_3^(2-) + 2xxHO^-#.

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