Valleriite from Akagane copper mine, Iwate prefecture

Valleriite from cupriferous pyrrhotite ores from Akagane mine is intimately associated with chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, cubanite and occasionally sphalerite and pentlandite. Valleriite in this deposit is classified three types from the paragenesis, as follows: (1) Irregular inclusions of valleriite in chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite may be crystallized primarily from the ore-forming fluid. (2) Small blade or rod-like valeriites are oriented in chalcopyrite. This texture may be caused by the unmixing of solid solution. (3) Thin films of valleriite occur in the boundaries between chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite, such intergrowth may be interpreted to be reaction-products of chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite.