General Information:
Chemical Formula:
Fe(1-x)S (x=0-0.17)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 85.12 gm)
Iron 62.33 % Fe
Sulfur 37.67 % S
Empirical Formula:
Fe2+0.95S
Environment:
Wide spread occurrences in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Locality:
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada and Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Name Origin:
From the Greek, phrrhotes, "redness," in allusion to color.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[0001] Imperfect, [1120] Imperfect
Color:
bronze, bronze red, or dark brown.
Density:
4.58 - 4.65, Average = 4.61
Diaphaniety:
Opaque
Habits:
Tabular - Form dimensions are thin in one direction., Platy - Sheet forms (e.g. micas)., Massive - Granular - Common texture observed in granite and other igneous rock.
Hardness:
3.5-4 - Copper Penny-Flourite
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Metallic
Streak:
gray black
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