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Pyrrhotite
Pyrrhotite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Pyrrhotite? |
Pyrrhotite is an iron sulfide mineral found in basic igneous rocks, pegmatites, vein deposits, and contact metamorphic deposits. It is slighly magnetic. |
Uses |
Pyrrhotite is mined primarily because it is associated with pentlandite, sulfide mineral that can contain significant amounts of nickel and cobalt. |
Color |
bronze yellow, brownish bronze, reddish bronze |
Streak |
dark grayish black |
Luster |
metallic |
Diaphaneity |
opaque |
Cleavage |
none |
Hardness |
3.5 - 4.5 |
Specific Gravity |
4.6 - 4.7 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
color, magnetism |
Crystal System |
monoclinic |
Chemical Classification |
sulfide |
Chemical Composition |
iron sulfide, Fe1-xS |
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Pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
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Pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada.
Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across.
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Nickeliferous pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada.
Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across.
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More Information About Minerals!
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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