WERE WE THE REAL FOOLS? – PYRITE AND ITS GOLD CONTENTS

Fool’s gold (pyrite) had earned its name long ago due to its superficial resemblance to gold. Scrutiny reveals fool’s gold to be just that: gold for fools. Research today, however, continues to prove that we may be wrong. It has been hypothesized, and shown time again, that there is indeed gold in pyrite. Until recently, it was thought to appear in negligible amounts. Although this is still true to an extent, pyrite may have more “invisible” gold than previously thought and more of it is attainable than ever. For the past 30 years, gold discovery has declined gradually. Within the last few years, no significant gold sources have been discovered. With diminishing extant sources and a lack of new discoveries, the demand to find a method to obtain gold has never been higher.

THE METHOD OF GOLD MINING AND EXTRACTION

It is necessary to understand how gold is mined and extracted because it explains why “fool’s gold” has ironically become an increasing source of real gold.

Currently, there are multiple methods to obtain gold, from mining with pick and machinery to panning. One image that might come to mind is a hardhat wearing man deep in a mine hauling pure gold ore out of the mine, but this is only a piece of the greater story. In truth, a lot of gold doesn’t come from gold mines. Tons of ore are extracted from copper mines. When gold is mined from rock and mineral, it often appears with other minerals. In short, it doesn’t always appear as a lump of solid, pure, glittering gold in a dark cave or mine shaft. Gold often appears, though not always, in quartz veins. Quartzite, along with other minerals, will grow with the gold.

Because gold grows with other minerals in its ore, it cannot be immediately used for consumption. Instead, it must be extracted, but this process is both dangerous and environmentally detrimental. The process involves cyanide, the deadly toxin. Cyanide is highly efficient at extracting ore and is relatively cheap, but its use results in pollutants.

Cyanide wasn’t the first choice for extracting ore through a leaching process. Mercury, another toxic element, was used before the invention of the cyanide process. Today, mercury is scarcely used, although developing countries and artisanal miners still use it.

Both have caused significant damage to the environment. So what are the alternatives?

PYRITE STEPS IN

There are a couple of methods worth mentioning, and pyrite is stealing gold’s spotlight despite centuries of being known as fool’s gold.

Pyrite had been known to contain gold before, but only in trace amounts. This theory was hypothesized as far back as the mid-18th century. As geology and mineralogy became more rigorous and studied, it became increasingly apparent that the gold in pyrite hid in more ways than one. The most recent study has shown that trace amounts are practically invisible. The gold hidden in pyrite is on the “nanoscale” and only exists in defects. The worse the flaws, the more gold is present in the crystal.

It is possible to extract tiny gold pieces from pyrite using selective leaching. It is more eco-friendly than current industry practice. An emerging method for extracting gold involves leaching identical to the cyanide process but uses starch. The method is supposed to be more efficient than cyanide, an already tough competitor.

With fewer discoveries, fear of “peak gold” (when we have hit the most gold production possible at a given point in time, after which it is continual decline), and ecological concerns growing due to climate change, pyrite just may be the game changer the gold industry has been waiting for.

 

Environmental Issues Associated with Pyrite

Pyrite, often dubbed "fool's gold," presents significant environmental challenges due to its unstable nature. When pyrite is exposed to air and moisture, particularly during mining activities, it undergoes oxidation. This chemical reaction can lead to the production of acid mine drainage (AMD), a major environmental concern.

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)

• Oxidation: The exposure of pyrite to elements like air and water initiates its breakdown, resulting in sulfuric acid formation.
• Water Pollution: This acidic runoff can leach heavy metals and harmful substances into surrounding waterways, elevating the acidity levels and posing risks to aquatic life.

Groundwater Contamination

• Arsenic Release: Pyrite often contains arsenic, a toxic element that can seep into groundwater sources during exposure, potentially contaminating drinking water supplies.
• Impact on Aquifers: This contamination can affect large groundwater aquifers, making water treatment necessary before it's considered safe for consumption.

Monitoring and Management

To combat these issues, rigorous monitoring and remediation efforts are vital. Controlling and neutralizing acid mine drainage and ensuring the safety of groundwater through proper management and treatment processes is essential for minimizing the environmental impact of mining operations.

How Can Portable XRF Analyzers Be Used in Identifying Pyrite?

Portable XRF analyzers are invaluable in the field of geological exploration and mining due to their ability to swiftly and accurately identify minerals like pyrite. Here's how they work in this context:

1. Non-Destructive Analysis:
The beauty of XRF technology is that it's non-destructive, meaning it won't alter or damage the rock samples. This allows geologists to conduct comprehensive analysis directly on-site without the need to send samples back to a lab.

2. Real-time Elemental Composition:
In a matter of seconds, these handheld devices can determine the elemental make-up of a sample. By measuring the secondary X-rays emitted from the sample after it’s excited by a primary X-ray source, the analyzer detects the unique X-ray emissions of each element.

3. Identifying Pyrite's Unique Signature:
When examining pyrite, an XRF analyzer can identify its unique elemental signature. Pyrite is primarily composed of iron and sulfur, both of which emit distinct fluorescent X-rays. The device recognizes these 'fingerprints' and confirms the presence of pyrite by matching the readings to these characteristic patterns.

4. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis:
Besides simply identifying pyrite, XRF analyzers provide detailed data on the concentration of its constituent elements. This quantitative aspect allows for a better understanding of the purity and potential value of the mineral deposit.

By offering rapid, accurate, and non-invasive analysis, portable XRF analyzers are essential tools in mineral identification, helping professionals effectively and efficiently identify pyrite in the field.

Where Can Pyrite Be Found Geologically?

Pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is a versatile mineral that appears across a spectrum of geological settings. This golden-hued mineral is commonly found in various types of rock formations and deposits. Let's explore its geological habitats:

• Igneous Rocks: Pyrite can be scattered throughout igneous rocks or appear in concentrated layers, depending on how and where it was deposited.

• Sedimentary Rocks: You’ll often find pyrite in areas with low oxygen levels, where iron and sulfur are present. Such environments are typically rich in organic material, like coal beds and black shale. Here, decaying organic matter depletes oxygen, facilitating pyrite formation.

• Hydrothermal Deposits: These mineral-rich deposits are formed by the action of heated water, and pyrite can often be found in these environments.

• Coal Beds: Pyrite frequently occurs in coal beds, contributing to the sulfur content of the coal.

• Replacement Mineral: In fossils and plant debris, pyrite can serve as a replacement mineral. It is known to substitute organic material and shells, forming unique preservations like pyrite fossils or pyrite dollars.

These diverse geological settings highlight the adaptability and widespread presence of pyrite across the Earth's crust.

What are Gossans and How Do They Relate to Pyrite?

Gossans are distinctive, oxidized soil areas that develop when certain minerals like pyrite experience weathering and chemical changes. These rusty spots are not just surface-level features; they can reveal important clues about what lies beneath the earth. Often, gossans serve as valuable indicators, guiding geologists to potential deposits of gold and other precious or base metals.

When pyrite, commonly known as "fool's gold," oxidizes, it transforms and contributes to the formation of these visible formations. By examining gossans, experts can identify promising locations for drilling and exploration, making them essential in the hunt for mineral resources.

Understanding Sulfide Minerals and Their Importance

What Are Sulfide Minerals?

Sulfide minerals are a type of inorganic compound that consists of sulfur combined with one or more elements. The distinction of these minerals lies not only in their chemical composition but also in their crystalline structure. Interestingly, when minerals share identical chemical formulas but possess differing crystal frameworks, they are termed polymorphs. This unique characteristic allows for a rich diversity within the mineral world.

Examples of Sulfide Minerals

Some of the most common sulfide minerals include:

• Pyrite: Often referred to as "fool's gold" for its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue.
• Chalcopyrite: Known for its use in copper production, comprised of copper and iron sulfide.
• Pentlandite: Primarily a nickel-iron sulfide considered an important source of nickel.
• Galena: Recognized as a major source of lead, distinct in its lead sulfide composition.

Beyond these, the sulfide category also encompasses minerals like selenides, tellurides, arsenides, antimonides, bismuthinides, and sulfosalts.

Significance of Sulfide Minerals

Economically, sulfide minerals hold substantial value as they serve as primary ores for extracting metals. These include essential metals such as copper, nickel, and lead, vital for various industrial and technological applications. Their role in mining and metal production makes them a linchpin of modern industry, impacting everything from electronics manufacturing to infrastructure development.

In summary, sulfide minerals are significant not only for their geological and chemical properties but also for their economic importance in metal extraction and industrial utility.

How Does Pyrite Form in Sedimentary Rocks?

Pyrite, often referred to as "fool's gold," forms in sedimentary rocks through a fascinating process involving specific environmental conditions. This mineral emerges primarily in areas where iron and sulfur coexist in an atmosphere that lacks oxygen.

Organic Settings as Crucial Sites

These settings are typically rich in organic matter, such as coal beds or layers of black shale. In these environments, decomposing organic material uses up available oxygen, setting the stage for pyrite to form.

The Role of Iron and Sulfur

As the organic materials degrade, they not only consume oxygen but also release sulfur, which combines with iron present in the sediments. This combination leads to the development of iron sulfide crystals, which we recognize as pyrite.

Natural Transformations

Additionally, pyrite can form as it replaces organic elements like plant remnants and shells. This process results in unique geological features such as pyrite fossils or flattened formations known as pyrite dollars, showcasing nature's transformative capabilities.

In short, pyrite's formation hinges on an intricate dance of chemistry and environment—iron, sulfur, and the absence of oxygen come together in settings teeming with organic decay to create this striking mineral.

Exploring Pyrite's Semiconductor Properties

Pyrite, also known as iron disulfide, boasts intriguing semiconductor properties that have been the focus of extensive research. This material stands out in the field of photovoltaics due to several key attributes.

• Suitable Band Gap: Pyrite has an optimal band gap for absorbing sunlight, which is crucial for converting solar energy into electricity efficiently.

• High Absorption Coefficient: It can capture a significant amount of solar energy even with a thin layer, making it an ideal candidate for solar cell applications.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other materials used in solar cells, pyrite is abundant and inexpensive, which makes it an attractive option for reducing production costs.

In recent years, transition metal dichalcogenides like pyrite have seen rising interest due to these advantageous properties. As researchers continue to explore its potential, pyrite remains a promising material for enhancing the performance and affordability of solar technologies.

 

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REFERENCES

“A Decade of Underperformance for Gold Discoveries.” S&P Global Market Intelligence, 4 June 2020, www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/blog/a-decade-of-underperformance-for-gold-discoveries.

“‘Fool’s Gold’ Not so Foolish after All.” ScienceDaily, 25 June 2021, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210625100529.htm.

Fougerouse, Denis, et al. “A New Kind of Invisible Gold in Pyrite Hosted in Deformation-Related.” Geology, 2021. Crossref, doi:10.1130/g49028.1.

Gellert, Christlieb Ehregott. Metallurgic Chymistry: Being a System of Minerology in General, and of All the Arts Arising from this Science ... In Two Parts. United Kingdom, T. Becket, 1776.

Henckel, Johann Friedrich. Pyritologia: Or, A History of the Pyrites, the Principal Body of the Mineral Kingdom .... United Kingdom, A. Millar, 1757.

Hustrulid, William, and Richard Bullock. Underground Mining Methods: Engineering Fundamentals and International Case Studies. Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, 2001.

Lottermoser, Bernd. Mine Wastes: Characterization, Treatment and Environmental Impacts. 2nd ed., Springer, 2007.

Pappas, Stephanie. “Fool’s Gold Not Completely Worthless. There’s Real Gold Inside.” Livescience.Com, 29 June 2021, www.livescience.com/pyrite-real-gold.html.

Petruk, W. Applied Mineralogy in the Mining Industry. Maarssen, Netherlands, Elsevier Gezondheidszorg, 2000.

Steadman, Ian. “‘Green’ Gold Extraction Method Replaces Cyanide with Starch.” WIRED UK, 20 May 2013, www.wired.co.uk/article/cornstarch-cyanide-gold.

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