PYRITE

Use

Pyrite or iron pyrite (FeS2) is a mineral containing iron and sulphur, and occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is also found in sedimentary deposits. Pyrite resembles gold in appearance and hence it is also known as fool's gold. It is harder than gold, the hardness being 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs' scale. It is the most common and widespread of the sulphide minerals and is used as a source of sulphur for the production of sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Under oxidizing conditions, pyrite readily alters to iron sulphates and eventually to limonite, forming gossans, the surface expression for pyrite-rich mineral deposits.