Where should i mine pyrite

Although this is a tiny fraction of the ore, the value of gold is so high that the pyrite might be a worthwhile mining target.

If pyrite contains 0. That is not a guaranteed money-maker. It depends upon how efficiently the gold can be recovered and the cost of the recovery process. Pyrite Framboid: One of the most interesting crystal habits of pyrite is the "framboid.

This is a framboid from the Waynesburg coal of northern West Virginia. It is a sphere about 15 microns in diameter that is composed of cubic crystals of pyrite about one micron on a side.

Sulfur occurs in coal in three different forms: 1 organic sulfur, 2 sulfate minerals, and 3 sulfide minerals mostly pyrite with minor amounts of marcasite. When the coal is burned, these forms of sulfur are converted into sulfur dioxide gas and contribute to air pollution and acid rain unless they are removed from the emissions. The sulfide minerals in coal and its surrounding rocks can produce acid mine drainage. Before mining, these minerals are deep within the ground and below the water table where they are not subject to oxidation.

During and after mining the level of the water table often falls, exposing the sulfides to oxidation. This oxidation produces acid mine drainage which contaminates groundwater and streams. Mining also breaks the rocks above and below the coal. This creates more pathways for the movement of oxygenated waters and exposes more surface area to oxidation. Pyrite crystals: Pyrite, cubic crystals in schist from Chester, Vermont. Specimen is approximately 4 inches 10 centimeters across.

Crushed stone used to make concrete, concrete block, and asphalt paving materials must be free of pyrite. Pyrite will oxidize when it is exposed to air and moisture. That oxidation will result in the production of acids and a volume change that will damage the concrete and reduce its strength.

This damage can result in failure or maintenance problems. Pyrite should not be present in the base material, subsoil or bedrock under roads, parking lots, or buildings. Oxidation of pyrite can result in damage to pavement, foundations, and floors.

In parts of the country where pyrite is commonly found, construction sites should be tested to detect the presence of pyritic materials. If pyrite is detected, the site can be rejected or the problem materials can be excavated and replaced with quality fill.

Pyrite fossils: Fossil ammonite in which the shell was replaced by pyrite. External view on left and cross-sectional view on right. External view by asterix and cross-sectional view by Henry Chaplin.

Both images copyright iStockphoto. The conditions of pyrite formation in the sedimentary environment include a supply of iron, a supply of sulfur, and an oxygen-poor environment.

This often occurs in association with decaying organic materials. Organic decay consumes oxygen and releases sulfur. Now that's getting the most of a natural resource. So there you are. Next time someone hands you some fool's gold hoping to take you for a fool or just wanting to share their shiny , check it out for invisible gold. You'll know there's a chance you're actually holding some hidden gold in your hand if the sample is silvery-white or steely, and smells like garlic when you smack it with a hammer.

If it's a proud, brassy yellow, you may still have a particle or two. How neat is that? The views expressed are those of the author s and are not necessarily those of Scientific American. A confirmed adorer of the good science of rock-breaking, Dana Hunter explores geology with an emphasis on volcanic processes, geology news, and the intersection of science and society.

Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. A lovely cubic bit of pyrite in blueschist, which I found in a rock wall in Bothell, WA. Alas, no visible gold - but a splendid golden color! The cube is about a half-inch across. A gorgeous hand sample of exquisite quartz crystals and shiny arsenopyrite.

An absolutely gorgeous pair of pyritohedrons. This is one of the crystal habits of pyrite - it forms these awesome little twelve-sided balls. These are in hydrothermally-altered rock up in Quartzville, Oregon. And yes, there's gold nearby! One of my own beloved pyrites, found in a mineral shop in Cottonwood, Arizona. So sparkly! Pyrite has always been one of my favorite things in the world. Helens Books Commemorate Mount St. Load comments. Get smart.

Pyrite from C. Hundreds of complex Pyrite crystals from 1 to 4mm lining limestone vug. Pyrite from Casapalca, Lima Dept. Large pyritohedron to 2cm with micro white Calcite and deep red sphalerite. Pyrite from Julcani mine, Julcani dist. Botryoidal Pyrite with balls to 5mm. Pyrite from West Fork mine, Reynolds Co. A single Galena crystal 1. Pyrite from Sparta, Randolph Co. Pyrite from Camp Bird mine, Ouray Co. Pyrite from Remedios mine, Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico.

Hundreds of mm octahedral and iridescent Pyrite crystals on Quartz. Al Mura collection.