SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 36
Sulfide Minerals
Report of:
Christian A. Guadalupe
BSGeology-1B
Sulfide Minerals
The sulfide minerals are a class
of minerals containing sulfide (S2−)
as the major anion. Some sulfide
minerals are economically
important as metal ores. Sulfide
minerals are inorganic compounds.
The sulfide minerals represent
higher temperatures and a slightly
deeper setting than the sulfate
minerals, which reflect the oxygen-
rich environment near the Earth's
surface.
Sulfides occur as primary accessory
minerals in many different igneous
rocks and in deep hydrothermal
deposits that are closely related to
igneous intrusions.
Sulfides also occur in
metamorphic rocks where sulfate
minerals are broken down by heat
and pressure, and in sedimentary
rocks where they are formed by
the action of sulfate-reducing
bacteria.
The sulfide mineral specimens you
see in rock shops come from the
deep levels of mines, and most
display a metallic luster.
Sulfides:
Acanthite Ag2S,
Chalcocite Cu2S, Bornite Cu5FeS4,
Galena PbS, Sphalerite ZnS,
Chalcopyrite CuFeS2, Pyrrhotite Fe1-xS,
Millerite NiS, Pentlandite (Fe,Ni)9S8,
Covellite CuS,Cinnabar HgS,
Realgar AsS, Orpiment As2S3,
Stibnite Sb2S3, Pyrite FeS2,
Marcasite FeS2, Molybdenite MoS2
Bornite Cu5FeS4
Bornite (Cu5FeS4) is one of the lesser
copper ore minerals, but its color makes it
highly collectible. Bornite stands out for
the amazing metallic blue-green color it
turns after exposure to the air. That gives
bornite the nickname peacock ore. Bornite
has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a dark gray
streak.
Copper sulfides are a closely related
mineral group, and they often occur
together. In this bornite specimen are
also bits of golden
metallic chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and
areas of dark-gray chalcocite (Cu2S).
The white matrix is calcite.
Chalcopyrite, CuFeS2
Chalcopyrite (KAL-co-PIE-rite) usually occurs in massive
form, like this specimen, rather than in crystals, but its
crystals are unusual among the sulfides in having a
shape like a four-sided pyramid (technically they are
scalenohedra). It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4, a
metallic luster, a greenish black streak and a golden
color that is commonly tarnished in various hues
(though not the brilliant blue of bornite). Chalcopyrite
is softer and yellower than pyrite, more brittle
than gold. It is often mixed with pyrite.
Chalcopyrite may have various
amounts of silver in place of the
copper, gallium or indium in place
of the iron, and selenium in place
of the sulfur. Thus these metals are
all byproducts of copper
production.
Cinnabar, mercury sulfide (HgS)
Cinnabar is very dense, 8.1 times as dense as
water, has a distinctive red streak and has
hardness 2.5, barely scratchable by the
fingernail. There are very few minerals that
might be confused with cinnabar, but realgar is
softer and cuprite is harder.Cinnabar is
deposited near the Earth's surface from hot
solutions that have risen from bodies of magma
far below. This crystalline crust, about 3
centimeters long, comes from Lake County,
California, a volcanic area where mercury was
mined until recently.
Galena is lead sulfide, PbS
Galena is lead sulfide, PbS, and is the most important
ore of lead. Galena is a soft mineral of Mohs
hardness of 2.5, a dark-gray streak and a high density,
around 7.5 times that of water. Sometimes galena is
bluish gray, but mostly it's straight gray.
Galena has a strong cubic cleavage that is apparent
even in massive specimens. Its luster is very bright and
metallic. Good pieces of this striking mineral are
available in any rock shop and in occurrences around
the world. This galena specimen is from the Sullivan
mine in Kimberley, British Columbia.
Galena forms in low- and medium-
temperature ore veins, along with
other sulfide minerals, carbonate
minerals, and quartz. These can be
found in igneous or sedimentary rocks.
It often contains silver as an impurity,
and silver is an important byproduct of
the lead industry.
Marcasite FeS2
Marcasite is iron sulfide or FeS2, the same
as pyrite, but with a different crystal structure.
Marcasite forms at relatively low temperatures
in chalk rocks as well as in hydrothermal veins
that also host zinc and lead minerals. It doesn't
form the cubes or pyritohedrons typical of
pyrite, instead forming groups of spearhead-
shaped twin crystals also called cockscomb
aggregates. When it has a radiating habit, it
forms "dollars," crusts and round nodules like
this, made of radiating thin crystals.
. It has a lighter brass color than pyrite
on a fresh face, but it tarnishes darker
than pyrite, and its streak is gray
whereas pyrite may have a greenish-
black streak. Marcasite tends to be
unstable, often disintegrating as its
decomposition creates sulfuric acid.
Metacinnabar HgS
Metacinnabar is mercury sulfide
(HgS), like cinnabar, but it takes a
different crystal form and is stable
at temperatures above 600°C (or
when zinc is present). It is metallic
gray and forms blocky crystals
Molybdenite MoS2
Molybdenite is molybdenum sulfide or MoS2,
the primary source of molybdenum metal.
Molybdenite (mo-LIB-denite) is the only mineral
that might be confused with graphite. It's dark,
it's very soft (Mohs hardness 1 to 1.5) with a
greasy feel, and it forms hexagonal crystals like
graphite. It even leaves black marks on paper
like graphite. But its color is lighter and more
metallic, its mica-like cleavage flakes are flexible,
and you may see a glimpse of blue or purple
between its cleavage flakes.
Molybdenum is necessary for life in
trace amounts, because some vital
enzymes require an atom of
molybdenum to fix nitrogen to build
proteins. It's a star player in the new
biogeochemical discipline
called metallomics.
Pyrite, iron sulfide (FeS2)
Pyrite, iron sulfide (FeS2), is a common
mineral in many rocks. Geochemically
speaking, pyrite is the most important
sulfur-containing mineral. Pyrite occurs in
this specimen in relatively large grains
associated with quartz and milky-blue
feldspar. Pyrite has a Mohs hardness of 6, a
brass-yellow color and a greenish black
streak.
Pyrite resembles gold slightly, but gold is
much heavier and much softer, and it
never shows the broken faces that you see
in these grains. Only a fool would mistake
it for gold, which is why pyrite is also
known as fool's gold. Still, it's pretty, it's an
important geochemical indicator, and in
some places pyrite really does include
silver and gold as a contaminant.
Pyrite "dollars" with a radiating habit are
often found for sale at rock shows. They
are nodules of pyrite crystals that grew
between layers of shale or coal.
Pyrite also readily forms crystals, either
cubic or the 12-sided forms called
pyritohedrons. And blocky pyrite crystals
are commonly found in slate and phyllite.
Sphalerite ZnS
Sphalerite (SFAL-erite) is zinc sulfide (ZnS) and
the foremost ore of zinc. Most often sphalerite
is reddish-brown, but it can range from black to
(in rare cases) clear. Dark specimens can appear
somewhat metallic in luster, but otherwise its
luster can be described as resinous or
adamantine. Its Mohs hardness is 3.5 to 4. It
commonly occurs as tetrahedral crystals or
cubes as well as in granular or massive form.
Sphalerite can be found in many ore veins
of sulfide minerals, commonly associated
with galena and pyrite. Miners call
sphalerite "jack," "blackjack," or "zinc
blende." Its impurities of gallium, indium
and cadmium make sphalerite a major ore
of those metals.
Sphalerite has some interesting properties.
It has excellent dodecahedral cleavage,
which means that with careful hammer
work you can chip it into nice 12-sided
pieces. Some specimens fluoresce with an
orange hue in ultraviolet light; these also
display triboluminescence, emitting orange
flashes when stroked with a knife.
References:
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicbornite.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicchalcopyrite.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpiccinnabar.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicgalena.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicmarcasite.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/metacinnabar.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicmolybdenite.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicpyrite.htm
http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/minpicsulfides/minpicsphalerite.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide_mineral
End of the report.
Thank you and God bless.

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados

Gold
GoldGold
Amphiboles
AmphibolesAmphiboles
Amphiboles
jo
 

Mais procurados (20)

Ore dressing
Ore dressingOre dressing
Ore dressing
 
Gold
GoldGold
Gold
 
Garnet GROUP OF MINERAL
Garnet GROUP OF MINERALGarnet GROUP OF MINERAL
Garnet GROUP OF MINERAL
 
Oxidation supergene enrichment
Oxidation supergene enrichmentOxidation supergene enrichment
Oxidation supergene enrichment
 
Spinel group and haematite group
Spinel group and haematite groupSpinel group and haematite group
Spinel group and haematite group
 
Geological Thermometers
Geological ThermometersGeological Thermometers
Geological Thermometers
 
Dolomite
DolomiteDolomite
Dolomite
 
Phosphite ore deposits
Phosphite ore depositsPhosphite ore deposits
Phosphite ore deposits
 
Ore deposits (contact metamorphism)
Ore deposits (contact metamorphism)Ore deposits (contact metamorphism)
Ore deposits (contact metamorphism)
 
Uranium Ore Deposits
Uranium Ore DepositsUranium Ore Deposits
Uranium Ore Deposits
 
Economic geology - Supergene ore deposits
Economic geology - Supergene ore depositsEconomic geology - Supergene ore deposits
Economic geology - Supergene ore deposits
 
Hydrothermal deposits by VARINDRA
Hydrothermal deposits by VARINDRAHydrothermal deposits by VARINDRA
Hydrothermal deposits by VARINDRA
 
The Silicate stuctures
The Silicate stucturesThe Silicate stuctures
The Silicate stuctures
 
Industrial Minerals Basics: Executive Primer
Industrial Minerals Basics: Executive PrimerIndustrial Minerals Basics: Executive Primer
Industrial Minerals Basics: Executive Primer
 
Amphiboles
AmphibolesAmphiboles
Amphiboles
 
Gem Stone and its Properties
Gem Stone and its PropertiesGem Stone and its Properties
Gem Stone and its Properties
 
The garnet group
The garnet groupThe garnet group
The garnet group
 
Topic 9 supergene enrichment
Topic 9 supergene enrichmentTopic 9 supergene enrichment
Topic 9 supergene enrichment
 
Chromite 101
Chromite 101Chromite 101
Chromite 101
 
Lead and zinc deposits of india
Lead and zinc deposits of indiaLead and zinc deposits of india
Lead and zinc deposits of india
 

Destaque (10)

Salt Cementation & Gold Extraction
Salt Cementation & Gold ExtractionSalt Cementation & Gold Extraction
Salt Cementation & Gold Extraction
 
How to Make Pure Gold
How to Make Pure GoldHow to Make Pure Gold
How to Make Pure Gold
 
Earth Science 1.3 : Formation, Mining, and use of Minerals.
Earth Science 1.3 : Formation, Mining, and use of Minerals.Earth Science 1.3 : Formation, Mining, and use of Minerals.
Earth Science 1.3 : Formation, Mining, and use of Minerals.
 
Gold mining process
Gold mining processGold mining process
Gold mining process
 
Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks
Introduction to Sedimentary RocksIntroduction to Sedimentary Rocks
Introduction to Sedimentary Rocks
 
Applied reservoir eng
Applied reservoir engApplied reservoir eng
Applied reservoir eng
 
Metals and alloys
Metals and alloysMetals and alloys
Metals and alloys
 
Minerals slideshare
Minerals slideshareMinerals slideshare
Minerals slideshare
 
Minerals
MineralsMinerals
Minerals
 
Sedimentary depositional environments
Sedimentary depositional environmentsSedimentary depositional environments
Sedimentary depositional environments
 

Semelhante a Sulfide Minerals

Feldspathoids
FeldspathoidsFeldspathoids
Feldspathoids
jo
 
Silica
SilicaSilica
Silica
jo
 
Minerals and stones from romania
Minerals and stones from romaniaMinerals and stones from romania
Minerals and stones from romania
Zoe
 

Semelhante a Sulfide Minerals (20)

Feldspathoids
FeldspathoidsFeldspathoids
Feldspathoids
 
Silica
SilicaSilica
Silica
 
Lead And Zinc Deposits
Lead And Zinc DepositsLead And Zinc Deposits
Lead And Zinc Deposits
 
Minerals and stones from romania
Minerals and stones from romaniaMinerals and stones from romania
Minerals and stones from romania
 
Minerals
MineralsMinerals
Minerals
 
Minerals
MineralsMinerals
Minerals
 
Economic geology - Magmatic ore deposits 2
Economic geology - Magmatic ore deposits 2Economic geology - Magmatic ore deposits 2
Economic geology - Magmatic ore deposits 2
 
Minerals ES
Minerals ESMinerals ES
Minerals ES
 
INTRODUCCIÓN A LOS ESTUDIOS DE MINERALES.pdf
INTRODUCCIÓN A LOS ESTUDIOS DE MINERALES.pdfINTRODUCCIÓN A LOS ESTUDIOS DE MINERALES.pdf
INTRODUCCIÓN A LOS ESTUDIOS DE MINERALES.pdf
 
lec17.ppt
lec17.pptlec17.ppt
lec17.ppt
 
Characteristics and identification of feldspar
Characteristics and identification of feldsparCharacteristics and identification of feldspar
Characteristics and identification of feldspar
 
Week-1_Rocks-and-Minerals.pptx
Week-1_Rocks-and-Minerals.pptxWeek-1_Rocks-and-Minerals.pptx
Week-1_Rocks-and-Minerals.pptx
 
Rock exam ese 11
Rock exam ese 11Rock exam ese 11
Rock exam ese 11
 
Chapter 5 minerals
Chapter 5 mineralsChapter 5 minerals
Chapter 5 minerals
 
Rocks and Minerals
Rocks and MineralsRocks and Minerals
Rocks and Minerals
 
Uses, Structure, and Types of Feldspar
Uses, Structure, and Types of FeldsparUses, Structure, and Types of Feldspar
Uses, Structure, and Types of Feldspar
 
NESOSILICATE MINERALS.docx
NESOSILICATE MINERALS.docxNESOSILICATE MINERALS.docx
NESOSILICATE MINERALS.docx
 
Rocks and minerals
Rocks and mineralsRocks and minerals
Rocks and minerals
 
UNDERSTANDING of FELDSPATHOID.pptx
UNDERSTANDING of FELDSPATHOID.pptxUNDERSTANDING of FELDSPATHOID.pptx
UNDERSTANDING of FELDSPATHOID.pptx
 
Six Common Rock-Forming Minerals
Six Common Rock-Forming MineralsSix Common Rock-Forming Minerals
Six Common Rock-Forming Minerals
 

Último

1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
QucHHunhnh
 
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
fonyou31
 
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfBASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
SoniaTolstoy
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
QucHHunhnh
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
ciinovamais
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
kauryashika82
 

Último (20)

Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
 
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
 
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdfDisha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Z Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot Graph
Z Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot GraphZ Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot Graph
Z Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot Graph
 
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
 
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdfBASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK  LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
BASLIQ CURRENT LOOKBOOK LOOKBOOK(1) (1).pdf
 
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
 
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdfHoldier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptxINDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
 

Sulfide Minerals

  • 1. Sulfide Minerals Report of: Christian A. Guadalupe BSGeology-1B
  • 2. Sulfide Minerals The sulfide minerals are a class of minerals containing sulfide (S2−) as the major anion. Some sulfide minerals are economically important as metal ores. Sulfide minerals are inorganic compounds.
  • 3. The sulfide minerals represent higher temperatures and a slightly deeper setting than the sulfate minerals, which reflect the oxygen- rich environment near the Earth's surface.
  • 4. Sulfides occur as primary accessory minerals in many different igneous rocks and in deep hydrothermal deposits that are closely related to igneous intrusions.
  • 5. Sulfides also occur in metamorphic rocks where sulfate minerals are broken down by heat and pressure, and in sedimentary rocks where they are formed by the action of sulfate-reducing bacteria.
  • 6. The sulfide mineral specimens you see in rock shops come from the deep levels of mines, and most display a metallic luster.
  • 7. Sulfides: Acanthite Ag2S, Chalcocite Cu2S, Bornite Cu5FeS4, Galena PbS, Sphalerite ZnS, Chalcopyrite CuFeS2, Pyrrhotite Fe1-xS, Millerite NiS, Pentlandite (Fe,Ni)9S8, Covellite CuS,Cinnabar HgS, Realgar AsS, Orpiment As2S3, Stibnite Sb2S3, Pyrite FeS2, Marcasite FeS2, Molybdenite MoS2
  • 9. Bornite (Cu5FeS4) is one of the lesser copper ore minerals, but its color makes it highly collectible. Bornite stands out for the amazing metallic blue-green color it turns after exposure to the air. That gives bornite the nickname peacock ore. Bornite has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a dark gray streak.
  • 10. Copper sulfides are a closely related mineral group, and they often occur together. In this bornite specimen are also bits of golden metallic chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and areas of dark-gray chalcocite (Cu2S). The white matrix is calcite.
  • 12. Chalcopyrite (KAL-co-PIE-rite) usually occurs in massive form, like this specimen, rather than in crystals, but its crystals are unusual among the sulfides in having a shape like a four-sided pyramid (technically they are scalenohedra). It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4, a metallic luster, a greenish black streak and a golden color that is commonly tarnished in various hues (though not the brilliant blue of bornite). Chalcopyrite is softer and yellower than pyrite, more brittle than gold. It is often mixed with pyrite.
  • 13. Chalcopyrite may have various amounts of silver in place of the copper, gallium or indium in place of the iron, and selenium in place of the sulfur. Thus these metals are all byproducts of copper production.
  • 15. Cinnabar is very dense, 8.1 times as dense as water, has a distinctive red streak and has hardness 2.5, barely scratchable by the fingernail. There are very few minerals that might be confused with cinnabar, but realgar is softer and cuprite is harder.Cinnabar is deposited near the Earth's surface from hot solutions that have risen from bodies of magma far below. This crystalline crust, about 3 centimeters long, comes from Lake County, California, a volcanic area where mercury was mined until recently.
  • 16. Galena is lead sulfide, PbS
  • 17. Galena is lead sulfide, PbS, and is the most important ore of lead. Galena is a soft mineral of Mohs hardness of 2.5, a dark-gray streak and a high density, around 7.5 times that of water. Sometimes galena is bluish gray, but mostly it's straight gray. Galena has a strong cubic cleavage that is apparent even in massive specimens. Its luster is very bright and metallic. Good pieces of this striking mineral are available in any rock shop and in occurrences around the world. This galena specimen is from the Sullivan mine in Kimberley, British Columbia.
  • 18. Galena forms in low- and medium- temperature ore veins, along with other sulfide minerals, carbonate minerals, and quartz. These can be found in igneous or sedimentary rocks. It often contains silver as an impurity, and silver is an important byproduct of the lead industry.
  • 20. Marcasite is iron sulfide or FeS2, the same as pyrite, but with a different crystal structure. Marcasite forms at relatively low temperatures in chalk rocks as well as in hydrothermal veins that also host zinc and lead minerals. It doesn't form the cubes or pyritohedrons typical of pyrite, instead forming groups of spearhead- shaped twin crystals also called cockscomb aggregates. When it has a radiating habit, it forms "dollars," crusts and round nodules like this, made of radiating thin crystals.
  • 21. . It has a lighter brass color than pyrite on a fresh face, but it tarnishes darker than pyrite, and its streak is gray whereas pyrite may have a greenish- black streak. Marcasite tends to be unstable, often disintegrating as its decomposition creates sulfuric acid.
  • 23. Metacinnabar is mercury sulfide (HgS), like cinnabar, but it takes a different crystal form and is stable at temperatures above 600°C (or when zinc is present). It is metallic gray and forms blocky crystals
  • 25. Molybdenite is molybdenum sulfide or MoS2, the primary source of molybdenum metal. Molybdenite (mo-LIB-denite) is the only mineral that might be confused with graphite. It's dark, it's very soft (Mohs hardness 1 to 1.5) with a greasy feel, and it forms hexagonal crystals like graphite. It even leaves black marks on paper like graphite. But its color is lighter and more metallic, its mica-like cleavage flakes are flexible, and you may see a glimpse of blue or purple between its cleavage flakes.
  • 26. Molybdenum is necessary for life in trace amounts, because some vital enzymes require an atom of molybdenum to fix nitrogen to build proteins. It's a star player in the new biogeochemical discipline called metallomics.
  • 28. Pyrite, iron sulfide (FeS2), is a common mineral in many rocks. Geochemically speaking, pyrite is the most important sulfur-containing mineral. Pyrite occurs in this specimen in relatively large grains associated with quartz and milky-blue feldspar. Pyrite has a Mohs hardness of 6, a brass-yellow color and a greenish black streak.
  • 29. Pyrite resembles gold slightly, but gold is much heavier and much softer, and it never shows the broken faces that you see in these grains. Only a fool would mistake it for gold, which is why pyrite is also known as fool's gold. Still, it's pretty, it's an important geochemical indicator, and in some places pyrite really does include silver and gold as a contaminant.
  • 30. Pyrite "dollars" with a radiating habit are often found for sale at rock shows. They are nodules of pyrite crystals that grew between layers of shale or coal. Pyrite also readily forms crystals, either cubic or the 12-sided forms called pyritohedrons. And blocky pyrite crystals are commonly found in slate and phyllite.
  • 32. Sphalerite (SFAL-erite) is zinc sulfide (ZnS) and the foremost ore of zinc. Most often sphalerite is reddish-brown, but it can range from black to (in rare cases) clear. Dark specimens can appear somewhat metallic in luster, but otherwise its luster can be described as resinous or adamantine. Its Mohs hardness is 3.5 to 4. It commonly occurs as tetrahedral crystals or cubes as well as in granular or massive form.
  • 33. Sphalerite can be found in many ore veins of sulfide minerals, commonly associated with galena and pyrite. Miners call sphalerite "jack," "blackjack," or "zinc blende." Its impurities of gallium, indium and cadmium make sphalerite a major ore of those metals.
  • 34. Sphalerite has some interesting properties. It has excellent dodecahedral cleavage, which means that with careful hammer work you can chip it into nice 12-sided pieces. Some specimens fluoresce with an orange hue in ultraviolet light; these also display triboluminescence, emitting orange flashes when stroked with a knife.
  • 36. End of the report. Thank you and God bless.