Pyrrhotite
Real mineral · common · Fe₁₋xS (x = 0 to 0.2)
Iron sulfide with a variable iron-to-sulfur ratio that produces natural magnetism in some specimens. The main ore mineral in several major nickel sulfide deposits. Its bronze colour distinguishes it from pyrite.
Identity
- Formula
- Fe₁₋xS (x = 0 to 0.2)
- Chemical class
- sulfide
- Also known as
- Magnetic pyrite
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Habits
- tabular, massive, granular
- Fracture
- subconchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.6 g/cm³
- Luster
- metallic
- Colors
- brownish yellow, bronze, dark brownish-red
- Streak
- black
- Transparency
- opaque
Geology
- Origins
- igneous, hydrothermal
- Host rocks
- gabbro, basalt, schist
- Associated minerals
- Pentlandite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Magnetite
- Geography
- Canada, Brazil, Germany, Russia, USA
Classification
- Rarity
- common
- Gem quality
- No
Browse the Crystal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox