0
This depends on the type of pyrite and its intended use. Pyrite is a potential ore for Iron containing close to 50 % of this metal (rest is sulphur and trace metals).
As stainless steel is worth arount 3000 $/tonne (as of June 2012) and there is a lot of work going into mining, refining, waste treatment and transporting raw materials to produce steel, the price for pyrite ore is relatively low and depends a lot on the ore grade (how much stuff apart from pyrite is there in the rock and can one actually use it for something or is it just waste).
Apart from its industrial use, pyrite is well liked by mineral collectors for its beautiful crystal structure and golden metallic appearence. Especially nicely formed idiomorphic pyrite crystals or crystal clusters can be worth several hundred dollars per kg, depending on how much people are willing to pay, of course.
Apart from its economic value pyrite has a lot of scientific values as it gives geologists clues about Earth's past:
-Geologists have found sedimentary pyrites in sedimentary rocks that are more than 3 billion years old which gives them good indication that back then there was practically no oxygen in the atmosphere. If there had been oxygen, all the pyrite would have been oxidized to rusty iron oxides.
-A special type of pyrite (very small pyrite aggregates called framboids) forms in anoxic water (water that lacks dissolved oxygen which is essential for higher animals). The occurence and the size of these framboids in specific sedimentary environments has been taken as evidence that several times in Earth's past large areas of the oceans lacked oxygen.
-Geochemists measured the isotopic composition of certain pyrites to find out if the sulphur in there crystal lattice was derived from bacterial reduction processes (this fractionates sulphur isotopes a lot). Finding pyrites with this "life signature" can tell scientists about the evolution of life and where it might exist.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIts not worth alot at all. Its worth about as much as dirt.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is pyrites hardness?
6.5
What phase of matter is a pyrite?
Pyrites are usually found in solid form
What are pyrites?
They are a kind of minerals, and historically some people have called them "fool's gold" because they are similar in appearance to gold, although they are not gold at all.
Can pyrites be silver in color?
You could try, but I'd suggest that the heat involved would severely damage if not destroy the pyrite. Try epoxy, or wire wrap your pyrite.
Does minerals containing metals often have a shiny luster?
Yes they doAnswer:Some do and some don't - iron pyrites, gold, silver, lead ores - may have a luster. Others like bauxite (aluminum ore), pitchblende (uranium), iron ore are not lusterous.
What is main chemical name for iron pyrites?
iron pyrites
What is pyrites hardness?
6.5
What has the author Alfred W G Wilson written?
Alfred W. G. Wilson has written: 'Pyrites in Canada' -- subject(s): Pyrites 'Currents and shore processes in Lake Ontario' 'Pyrites au Canada' -- subject(s): Pyrites 'Trent River system and Saint Lawrence outlet' -- subject(s): Geology
What is pyrites gravity?
4.9-5.2
What is iron pyrate?
What is iron pyrites?
What are the release dates for Teamo Supremo - 2002 Pyrites and Pirates?
Teamo Supremo - 2002 Pyrites and Pirates was released on: USA: 19 April 2003
What is another name for iron pyrites?
Iron pyrites is commonly called "fools gold" since it is often mistaken for gold by people who do not know how to tell the difference.
How much does pyrites cost per kilogram?
$10
Two types of metallic minerals?
Iron pyrites, plumbago.
What does Iron Pyrites look like?
Also known as "Fool's Gold", it is yellow, shiny, and tends to have crystals with flat surfaces (REAL gold does not shine) The link below is to a photo of iron pyrites.
On Columbus first trip Isabella gave him a crew of what sailor?
Pyrites
What is another term for fool's gold?
Iron Pyrites - Iron Sulfide
