Iron pyrite
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| Frequency | common |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 6-6.5 |
| Density | 5 |
| Chemical Formula | FeS2 |
| Core Elements | Fe |
| Thermal Decomposition | FeS2
°C Fe2O3 |
pyrite, along with Hematite and Magnetite is a primary ore of iron.
Weathering
In contact with a wet natural environment (water, air, perhaps sunlight), pyrite weathers producing ferrous (and perhaps ferric) sulfates:
4 FeS2(s) + 14 O2(g) + 4 H2O(l) → 4 FeII + 8 SO42 - + 8 H + 4 FeII + O2 + 4 H + → 4 FeIII + 2 H2O 4 FeIII + 12 H2O → 4 Fe(OH)3 + 12 H +