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The mineral pyrite (/ ˈ p aɪ r aɪ t / PY-ryte), [6] or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula Fe S 2 (iron (II) disulfide). Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral .
Fool's gold – a mineral, iron disulfide or pyrite; can form oil of vitriol on contact with water and air. Fulminating silver – principally, silver nitride, formed by dissolving silver(I) oxide in ammonia. Very explosive when dry. Fulminating gold – a number of gold based explosives which "fulminate", or detonate easily.
This disintegration of marcasite in mineral collections is known as "pyrite decay". When a specimen goes through pyrite decay, the marcasite reacts with moisture and oxygen in the air, the sulfur oxidizing and combining with water to produce sulfuric acid that attacks other sulfide minerals and mineral labels. Low humidity (less than 60% ...
The group is named for its most common member, pyrite (fool's gold), which is sometimes explicitly distinguished from the group's other members as iron pyrite. Pyrrhotite (magnetic pyrite) is magnetic, and is composed of iron and sulfur , but it has a different structure and is not in the pyrite group.
The creation of sparks from metals is based on the pyrophoricity of small metal particles, and pyrophoric alloys are made for this purpose. [2] Practical applications include the sparking mechanisms in lighters and various toys, using ferrocerium; starting fires without matches, using a firesteel; the flintlock mechanism in firearms; and spark testing ferrous metals.
It can be measured as the quotient of the mass of the sample and difference between the weight of the sample in air and its corresponding weight in water. Among most minerals, this property is not diagnostic. Rock forming minerals – typically silicates or occasionally carbonates – have a specific gravity of 2.5–3.5. [88]
Similarly, two pieces of iron pyrite or marcasite when struck together can create sparks. The use of flint in particular became the most common method of producing flames in pre-industrial societies (see also fire striker). Travelers up to the late 19th century would often use self-contained kits known as tinderboxes to start fires. [21]
Framboidal pyrite is commonly found in coastal sediments, for instance marsh soils, marine and estuarine sediments, and beach sands. It can also be observed in coal as well as magmatic and carbonate rocks. Other minerals known to exhibit framboidal structures include magnetite, hematite, and greigite. Greigite is considered an essential ...