Pyrrhotite
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Description
A bronze-like mineral composed of iron sulfide. Pyrrhotite is slightly magnetic and tarnishes with time. It occurs near pyrite (Iron disulfide), Chalcopyrite, or Magnetite deposits. Pyrrhotite has been found in Rumania (Kisbanya), Austria, Italy (Trentino), Germany (Saxony, Bavaria, Andreas-Berg), Switzerland, Norway (Kongsberg), Sweden, Brazil, Canada (Bristish Columbia, Ontario), Mexico (Chihuahua) and the U.S. (Maine, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, California).
Synonyms and Related Terms
magnetic pyrite
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Fracture = uneven
- Luster = metallic
- Streak = grayish-black
- Slightly magnetic
- Tarnish = dark brown
| Composition | Fe(1-x)Sx e.g., Fe5S6 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 - 4.5 |
| Density | 4.58-4.64 g/ml |
Resources and Citations
- Mineralogy Database: Pyrrhotite
- Wikipedia: Pyrrhotite Accessed Dec 2022
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 541
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "pyrrhotite" [Accessed December 11, 2001]
- C.W.Chesterman, K.E.Lowe, Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1979
- Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
- Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976