Chalcophiles, lithophiles, siderophiles, and atmophiles are classes of elements based upon similar geochemical properties and reactive affinities. The classes were originally advanced by Swiss-born Victor Goldschmidt (1888–1947) and are terms still widely used by geologists and geochemists. The key factor in determining an element's class is the type of chemical bonds that the element forms.

Chalcophile elements have a high bonding affinity—usually in the form of covalent bonds—with sulfur, and are, accordingly, usually abundant in sulfides. Chalcophiles also exhibit a bonding affinity with selenium, tellurium, arsenic, and antimony and therefore also exhibit high levels of derivatives of these elements. When sulfur is abundant, chalcophile elements readily form sulfide minerals as they precipitate from the magma. This process partially explains the formation of extensive deposits of iron-nickel-copper sulfides.

Lithophiles have a high bonding affinity with oxygen. Lithophiles have an affinity...