Pentlandite with Pyrrhotite

specimen number:
2133036

location:
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

description:
Masses of pentlandite throughout a massive pyrrhotite matrix. Pentlandite is an important nickel iron sulfide mineral and is one of the principal ores of nickel used in industry. It commonly occurs in magmatic sulfide deposits associated with ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks, where it forms during the cooling and separation of sulfide rich melts. Pentlandite typically appears as bronze yellow granular masses with a metallic luster and is often found with minerals such as pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Major deposits containing pentlandite occur in regions such as Sudbury in Canada and Norilsk in Russia, where it has been mined extensively as a source of nickel for stainless steel and other alloys.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.