Sulfides

Sulfides include the majority of the ore minerals. They have the general formula:

XmZn
Where X = metal and Z is S, As, or Te. One cannot make generalizations about their structures overall. The sulfides that you need to know are pyrite, marcasite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite.

Pyrite and Marcasite: (FeS2 ) Pyrite is isometric where Fe ions are bonded to covalently
bonded S2 pairs. See diagram below:

Marcasite, however, is orthorhombic. The pressure-temperature relationships are not that well known, however, marcasite oxidizes more easily than pyrite in the surface environment. It is not uncommon to see pyrite replacing marcasite and visa-versa. Pyrite is easily recognized by its crystal structure and color. It usually forms striated cubes, pyritohedrons (12 pentagonal faces) and octahedrons. It is pale brass yellow. It has a hardness of 6-6.5 and has a conchoidal fracture. Occurrence: It is the most common and widespread of sulfide minerals. It is found in sedimentary shales, in igneous rocks, in veins with quartz and calcite and especially as an accessory mineral in Au deposits. Use: It is used as an iron ore only in those countries lacking Fe-oxides. S if a by-product and is used to make sulfuric acid.

Marcasite: This is orthorhombic and forms tabular crystals which are usually twinned forming a
cocks comb habit.

It also is globular and reniform in habit. Its color is slightly whiter than pyrite. Its diagnostic features are the color and habit. It is less common than pyrite and more easily decomposed. It is found associated with pyrite in ore deposits and in veins.

Pyrrhotite: Fe 1-x S, occurs as both monoclinic and hexagonal polymorphs. They both look
alike and cannot be distinguished from one another. Its habit is usually massive, crystals are rare. It has a hardness of 4, is bronze colored, and it is variably magnetic. Pyrrhotite is nonstoichiometric and the magnetism is dependent upon the amount of non-stoichiometry. Occurrence: Pyrrhotite is commonly associated with massive sulfide deposits that can be found associated with a) mafic igneous rocks (either extrusive or intrusive) or b) ridge and back-arc volcanic rocks on the sea floor. (There are Cu-Pb-Zn deposits forming presently on the sea floor. Pyrrhotite is associated with this mineralization.) In the former case, pyrrhotite is always associated with pentlandite, chalcopyrite, and magnetite. Pyrite may or may not be present. In the latter case, pyrrhotite is associated with chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrite galena, magnetite, and arsenopyrite. Note: when you find one sulfide, its highly likely that you will find another with it.

Sphalerite: is isometric and forms tetrahedrons, dodecahedrons and cubes. However it is

generally massive. Its hardness is from 3.5 to 4, it has 6 cleavages, its color varies a lot, however, its luster is resinous and it has a yellow to brown streak. These latter two physical properties are distinctive. You can also smell S when you streak it. Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc. Fe, Mn, and Cd can substitute for Zn in its structure. Its this substitution that generally causes the color variation in the mineral.

Occurrence: Sphalerite is usually associated with galena in ore deposits. It is found in massive sulfide deposits associated in volcanic rocks associated with galena, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pyrite. It is also found in carbonate sedimentary rocks with galena. These are known as Mississippi Valley Type deposits. Use: It is used to galvanize iron. It is a main constituent of brass (with Cu). It is also used in batteries. ZnO is used in oil-based and some latex paint to prevent mildew.

Galena: is isometric and commonly occurs as cubes. It has a distinctive cubic cleavage: three
directions at right angles. Its color is lead-gray with a specific gravity of 7.5. Occurrence: It is usually associated with sphalerite, pyrite, marcasite, minor chalcopyrite and carbonates in Mississippi Valley Type deposits. It is also found in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits with sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pyrite. Use: Lead is used in storage batteries; in pipes, shot, and as Pb sheets (radioactive shielding). PbO used to be used as filler in paints. It has been replaced by TiO2 in most cases, however, there are still the occasional Pb-based paints, or, Pb-based glazes (for ceramics).

Chalcopyrite: is tetragonal, however, crystals are rare. It usually is massive in appearance. It

is bright yellow in color and tends to tarnish. Its streak is greenish-black. Its hardness is 3.5 to 4, which distinguishes it (along with the color) from pyrite. It also alters to malachite. Occurrence: Occurs with other sulfide minerals in massive sulfide deposits, Mississippi Valley Type deposits, and Cu-porphyry deposits. Use: This is the main ore mineral for Cu. Cu is second in importance (after Fe) to the world for piping and wires.

Arsenopyrite: Forms monoclinic wedge-shaped crystals, which can also be prismatic. It is

bright silver-white in color with a metallic luster. It has a black streak. It is recognized by its hardness (5.5-6); its color; and its crystal shape. Occurrence and use: commonly occurs with Sn and W minerals and also with Au mineralization. It is a source of As which is used in medicines, insecticides, and preservatives.