|
Home »
Minerals »
Marcasite
Marcasite
Mineral Properties and Uses
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).
Physical Properties of Marcasite |
| Color |
pale bronze yellow |
| Streak |
grayish black |
| Luster |
metallic |
| Diaphaneity |
opaque |
| Cleavage |
Poor |
| Mohs Hardness |
6 - 7.5 |
| Specific Gravity |
4.9 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
color |
| Chemical Composition |
iron sulfide, FeS2 |
| Crystal System |
orthorhombic |
Uses of Marcasite?
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).
Find it on Geology.com
More from Geology.com
 | Sunstone: A feldspar with aventurescence caused by light reflecting from platy inclusions. |
| Rocks: Photos of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. |
|
|
 | Minerals: Information about ore minerals, gem materials and rock-forming minerals. |
 | Satellite Images of cities, states and countries acquired by the Landsat satellite. |
|
|
 |
|
| 
