Sulfide minerals are a group of minerals that contain sulfur combined with one or more metals. They are important in geology and mining because they often serve as valuable sources of metals like copper, zinc, and lead. Common examples of sulfide minerals include pyrite, also known as "fool's gold," and chalcopyrite, which is a primary copper ore. These minerals typically form in hydrothermal environments, where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through rocks. Sulfide minerals can also be found in sedimentary deposits and are often associated with volcanic activity. Their unique properties make them significant in various industrial applications and environmental studies.