PYRITE

Chemical Properties

usually solid chunks

Uses

For grain mounts, XRD and microprobe standards, identification of unknown minerals.Pyrite is used in the preparation of iron(II) sulfate, sulfur dioxide and iron(II) sulfide. It finds application as semiconductor material, as the cathode material in energizer band and non-rechargeable lithium batteries. It is utilized to make marcasite jewelry. In addition, it is used in photovoltaic solar panels. It is useful for grain mounts, XRD and microprobe standards and identification of unknown minerals.

Uses

Pyrite (FeS2) is more commonly known as fool’s gold. It is used as an iron ore and in the production of sulfur chemicals such as sulfuric acid.

Definition

ChEBI: An iron sulfide mineral with formula FeS2.

Agricultural Uses

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.
Soils with excess pyrite become strongly acidic for cultivation. When drained and aerated enough for cultivation, these soils are termed acid sulphate soils or Katteklei (cat clays) in Dutch.
The role of sulphur in pyrites is multidimensional. Iron pyrite is a potential source of sulphur for correcting sulphur-deficiency in crops raised on alkaline, calcareous soils. Iron pyrite prevents iron chlorosis in plants and possibly leads to an improvement in the availability of other nutrients such as P, Fe, Mn and Zn. This is because pyrite not only contains these micronutrients as impurities but also enhances the availability of these native forms by increasing acidity. This role of pyrite is of special significance in calcareous soils where lime-induced chlorosis is very common in many crops.
Pyrite can be applied at the rate of 250 kg/ha to correct lime-induced chlorosis, to improve the malleable cane percentage and the yield of sugar cane on calcareous soil.
A symbiotic nitrogen fixation has a special significance in improving soil fertility. Using graded doses of pyrite (0 to 400 kg/ha), the number and dry weight of nodules, as well as grain and straw yield of chickpea increase significantly.

Agricultural Uses

Iron pyrite, also called fool's gold because of its superficial resemblance to gold, is a brassy-yellow or brown tarnished mineral with metallic luster. It is iron disulphide, crystallizing in the cubic system, occurring in octahedral, pyritohedra, etc. Iron pyrite is used in the manufacture of sulphur, sulphuric acid, sulphur dioxide, ferrous sulphate and cheap jewelry.