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Pyrite and Marcasite Surface Area as Influenced by Morphology and Particle Diameter¹

ABSTRACT

The morphology of massive and framboidal pyrites and marcasite extracted from lignitic cores was examined with light and scanning electron microscopes. The primary objective was to determine the surface area for these sulfide minerals. Framboidal pyrite spheres consisted of micron-sized crystals and suggested a high surface area compared to other iron (Fe) sulfides. Specific surface space was determined using the linear form of the B.E.T. equation and N₂ gas as the adsorbate.

Framboidal pyrite was composed of individual microcrystals that ranged from 1 to 5 µm in diameter. Surface area of framboidal pyrite remained near 2.0 m²/g for mean diameters ranging from 150 to 60 µm but increased to as high as 4.0 m²/g for diameters between 5 and 2 µm. Marcasite spheres were 4 to 5 times larger in diameter than single framboids. Surface area of all fractions of marcasite and massive pyrite ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 m²/g. Specific surface decreased as particle size increased.

¹ Contribution from the Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. This research was supported by grants from the Center for Energy and Mineral Resources and the USDA.

² Former Graduate Student and Professors, Dep. of Soil and Crop Science, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX 77843. Current address of C. E. Pugh is Dep. of Chemistry, Northeast Louisiana Univ., Monroe, LA 71209.

Received for publication August 23, 1979. Accepted for publication June 10, 1981.