What is pyrite?
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Pyrite or Iron pyrite (FeS2) is a very common mineral that can be found in sedimentary and low grade metamorphic rocks in the form of crystals. It is often referred to as 'Fools Gold' due to it's gold-like colour. Pyrite can be found in soils and sediments throughout the Earth as myriads of microscoRead more
Pyrite or Iron pyrite (FeS2) is a very common mineral that can be found in sedimentary and low grade metamorphic rocks in the form of crystals. It is often referred to as ‘Fools Gold’ due to it’s gold-like colour. Pyrite can be found in soils and sediments throughout the Earth as myriads of microscopic crystals. This pyrite is formed by bacteria that remove oxygen from sulfate in the water, producing sulfide that reacts with iron to form pyrite. More than 90 percent of the pyrite on Earth is formed by microbiological processes. Pyrite is found in a wide variety of geological settings, from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock to hydrothermal mineral deposits, as well as in coal beds and as a replacement mineral in fossils. Pyrite is a common accessory mineral in sedimentary rocks, particularly in limestone, sandstone and carbonaceous siltstones or shales. Recognized for its brass-yellow color which resembles that of gold, pyrite is a source of iron and sulfur and is used for the production of sulfuric acid. Some types of pyrite contain enough microscopic gold to warrant mining them as a gold ore. Take a magnet with you. Iron pyrite will stick to the magnet because of its high iron content; gold will not. Pyrite doesn’t melt. When heated, it gives off part of its sulphur and turns into pyrrhotite. Further heating, with plenty of air, will cause it to burn, leaving iron oxide (“rust”).
See lessPyrite, also known as fool's gold, is a mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is made up of iron and sulfur and has a metallic luster. The chemical formula for pyrite is FeS2. Pyrite is often mistaken for gold due to its similar appearance, but it is much softer andRead more
Pyrite, also known as fool’s gold, is a mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is made up of iron and sulfur and has a metallic luster. The chemical formula for pyrite is FeS2. Pyrite is often mistaken for gold due to its similar appearance, but it is much softer and lighter in weight than gold. It is also less dense and more brittle than gold. Despite its common nickname, pyrite has some industrial uses and is sometimes mined as a source of sulfur and iron.
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