Pyrite

Definition

Pyrite, also known as iron pyrite, is a common sulfur-containing mineral that has a distinctive golden-yellow color and metallic luster. It is an important source of sulfur and has various applications in the chemical industry and other fields.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pyrite is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing minerals on Earth, and it is often found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks.
2. Pyrite is used in the production of sulfuric acid, which is a widely used industrial chemical with numerous applications.
3. The golden-yellow color and metallic luster of pyrite have led to it being mistaken for gold, earning it the nickname 'fool's gold'.
4. Pyrite is a common inclusion in many types of gemstones, and it is sometimes used in jewelry and decorative items.
5. Pyrite is also used as a source of iron in the production of iron and steel, as well as in the manufacture of certain types of electronic devices.

Review Questions

• Describe the occurrence and distribution of pyrite in the Earth's crust.
  • Pyrite is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing minerals on Earth, and it is found in a wide variety of geological settings, including sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It is particularly common in shale, coal, and other sedimentary deposits, as well as in hydrothermal veins and ore deposits. Pyrite can also be found in small amounts in many types of igneous rocks, such as granites and basalts, and in metamorphic rocks that have been subjected to high temperatures and pressures.
• Explain the importance of pyrite in the preparation and production of sulfur-containing compounds.
  • Pyrite is an important source of sulfur, and it is widely used in the production of sulfuric acid, which is a critical industrial chemical with numerous applications. Sulfuric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, detergents, pigments, and a variety of other products. Additionally, pyrite can be used as a source of iron in the production of iron and steel, and it is also used in the manufacture of certain types of electronic devices, such as semiconductor materials.
• Analyze the physical and chemical properties of pyrite that contribute to its unique characteristics and applications.
  • Pyrite's distinctive golden-yellow color and metallic luster have led to it being mistaken for gold, earning it the nickname 'fool's gold'. However, pyrite is a much harder and more brittle mineral than gold, with a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5. Chemically, pyrite is composed of iron disulfide (FeS2), which gives it a high sulfur content and makes it an important source of sulfur for industrial processes. Pyrite's physical and chemical properties, including its crystalline structure, electrical conductivity, and ability to be used as a source of iron and sulfur, contribute to its wide range of applications in various industries, from the production of sulfuric acid to the manufacture of electronic devices.

Related terms

Sulfur:

Sulfur is a naturally occurring chemical element with the symbol S. It is an essential component of many minerals, including pyrite, and is widely used in the production of various industrial and agricultural chemicals.

Iron Disulfide: Iron disulfide, with the chemical formula FeS2, is the primary composition of pyrite. It is a naturally occurring mineral that has a crystalline structure and is known for its characteristic golden-yellow color.

Marcasite: Marcasite is a polymorph of iron disulfide, similar to pyrite, but with a different crystal structure. It is also a common mineral found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.