Pyrite

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When pyrite is struck against metal or a hard surface, it creates a spark.

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Pyrite is also known as fool’s gold. Gold is

much softer than pyrite.

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Pyrite often forms a cubic crystal structure.

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Pyrite is found as a vein deposit…

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Vein pyrite may reveal the presence of other valuable

minerals, such as chalcopyrite and gold.

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…as an accessory component of igneous and metamorphic rocks…

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Discs of pyrite (actually marcasite) are found in sedimentary rocks.

These are often crumbly, but still they are just fool’s gold!

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These discs precipitate out of water saturated with iron and sulfur.

…or as a replacement mineral in sedimentary rock.

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Pyrite can replace organic materials, as it

did in these ammonites.

This is similar to the way petrified wood is made, only here the

replacement material is pyrite instead of quartz.

In the recent past, pyrite was mined as a sulfur source for sulfuric acid (H2SO4), an essential commodity for the chemical industry.

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This pyrite-rich sandstone is growing sulfur crystals. As water moves past the pyrite it takes up sulfur, and then deposits it when the rock is exposed to air.

Coal, a sedimentary rock, often contains pyrite.

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Pyrite is the major source of sulfur emissions in coal and

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When coal is mined, the pyrite reacts with the air and water to form sulfuric acid that drains

out of the mine and into creeks.

The burning of coal and/or petroleum creates massive amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2) which reacts with atmospheric water and oxygen to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

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Sulfuric acid combines with water to create acid rain. Acid rain can damage building stones and monuments, cause a decline in natural lake systems and, in some areas, even pose a significant risk to human health.

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Pyrite

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media rights

Many of the photos in this presentation were obtained through Flickr and Wikipedia.

Funded by FIPSE and by the University of Minnesota. Compiled for Dr. Kent Kirkby, Department of Geology and Geophysics, by Kate Rosok, 2007. Each displayed image

retains its original media rights. For educational purposes only; not to be used commercially.

public domain (none)

© Copyright. All rights reserved

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