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Marcasite
Marcasite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Marcasite? |
Marcasite is an iron sulfide mineral. It has the same chemical composition as pyrite, however these two minerals are in different crystal systems (marcasite is orthorhombic and pyrite is isometric). |
Uses |
Very few commercial uses. Has been used as a source of sulfur and as an ornamental stone (many of the ornamental stones sold under the name of "marcasite" are actually pyrite). |
Color |
pale bronze yellow |
Streak |
grayish black |
Luster |
metallic |
Diaphaneity |
opaque |
Cleavage |
poor |
Hardness |
6.0 - 7.5 |
Specific Gravity |
4.9 |
Distinguishing Characteristics |
color |
Crystal System |
orthorhombic |
Chemical Classification |
sulfide |
Chemical Composition |
iron sulfide, FeS2 |
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Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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