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Pyrrhotite
Pyrrhotite
Mineral Properties and Uses
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.
Physical Properties of Pyrrhotite |
| Color |
bronze yellow, brownish bronze, reddish bronze |
| Streak |
dark grayish black |
| Luster |
metallic |
| Diaphaneity |
opaque |
| Cleavage |
none |
| Mohs Hardness |
3.5 - 4.5 |
| Specific Gravity |
4.6 - 4.7 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics |
color, magnetism |
| Chemical Composition |
iron sulfide, Fe1-xS |
| Crystal System |
monoclinic |
Uses of Pyrrhotite?
Pyrrhotite is mined primarily because it is associated with pentlandite, sulfide mineral that can contain significant amounts of nickel and cobalt.
| Pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 2-1/2 inches (6.4 centimeters) across. |
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| Pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. |
| Nickeliferous pyrrhotite from Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across. |
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