Pyrrhotite is somewhat deficient in iron, leading to its formula Fe1-xS. It is found mostly in igneous rocks, but can also be found in veins, pegmatites and as a result of contact metamorphism. The name pyrrhotite comes from the Greek word for "reddish" because of its reddish tint.
| Fe1-xS |
|
| Sulfide |
|
| Monoclinic (low-temperatures), hexagonal (high-temperatures) |
|
| 2/m (monoclinic), 6/m 2/m 2/m (hexagonal) |
|
| 4 |
|
| 4.58-4.65 |
|
| {0001} imperfect, {1120} imperfect |
|
| Uneven |
|
| Bronze-brown |
|
| Black |
|
| Metallic |
|
| Opaque |
|
| Tabular |
|
| Magnetic, but strength varies |
|
| Notable Localities: |
Ontario, Canada; Chihuahua, Mexico; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Yugoslavia |
| Uses: |
Minor ore of sulfur & iron |
| Nickel, copper, platinum, pentlandite, chalcopyrite |
Specimens:
| |
