Pyrite usually contains cobalt, nickel and selenium and has NaCl crystal structure. White iron ore with the same composition and orthogonal (rhombic) crystal system is called white iron ore. Trace elements such as cobalt, nickel, copper, gold and selenium are often present in the composition. When the content is high, it can be comprehensively recycled in the process of sulfur extraction.
Pyrite is unstable in the oxidation zone and is easy to decompose to form iron hydroxide such as goethite. After dehydration, stable limonite can be formed, according to which pyrite is often illusory. This action often forms limonite, goethite and lepidolite on the surface outcrop of the oxidation zone of metal deposits, so it is called iron hat.
Application scenario:
1, industrial use
Pyrite is the main mineral raw material for extracting sulfur and producing sulfuric acid. When associated elements contain gold, cobalt and nickel, they can be extracted.
Step 2 make decorations
Pyrite is also a very cheap ancient gem. In Victorian England (A.D. 1837- 190 1), people liked to use this kind of gem with special shape and ornamental value. It can be used not only for grinding precious stones, but also as a base for jewelry, jade and other handicrafts.
3. Catalyst
20 12 in April, the research team led by StephenJenkins of Cambridge University explored the catalytic activity of pyrite through electronic structure calculation. Researchers focus on the reaction between pyrite and nitrogen oxides (nitrogen oxides), one of the air pollutants.
Next, the researchers plan to apply pyrite to strategic industrial reaction processes, such as ammonia produced by chemical fertilizers, hydrocarbon fuel synthesis of renewable biomass, and hydrogen extraction of fuel cell electric vehicles.