Mineral 1.0: Marcasite

Mineral 1.0

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MarcasiteFeS₂

Class: Sulfide
Hardness: 6 - 6.5
Density: 4.9
Streak: Grayish black
Lustre: Metallic
Habit: Acicular aggregate
Colours: Bronze-yellow, darkening on exposure
   Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Cleavage: Distinct
Fracture: Uneven
Magnetism: None
Reaction with HCl: Very weak
Identification in hand sample:
Bronze-yellow colour and habit are indicative. Streak is also helpful.
Associations:
Common in hydrothermal sulfide deposits, generally formed at low temperatures.
Industrial / ecomonic uses:
Can be used as source of sulfur and iron, but not normally economically valuable.
Comments:
Polymorph of pyrite



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