How Do You Spell PYRRHOTITE?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪrhətˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "pyrrhotite" is spelled with three syllables: py-rrho-tite. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /pɪˈraɪ.tait/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in the word "pin". The second syllable is pronounced with a double "r" sound and a short "o", like in the word "rock". The final syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound and a hard "t" sound at the end. Pyrrhotite is a mineral that is a source of sulfur and iron.

PYRRHOTITE Meaning and Definition

1. Pyrrhotite is a mineral that belongs to the pyrite group and consists of iron sulfide. Its chemical formula is Fe1-xS (x=0 to 0.2). It typically appears as bronze-colored or brownish-black metallic crystals, often forming striated or elongated prismatic shapes. Pyrrhotite has a hardness ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of about 4.7 to 4.8.

   Often found in association with other minerals like pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pentlandite, pyrrhotite is primarily found in metamorphic rocks, iron formations, and hydrothermal veins. It can also occur in mineral deposits such as nickel-copper sulfide ore bodies. Notable occurrences of pyrrhotite can be found in countries like Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the United States.

   Pyrrhotite has unique physical properties that make it useful in various applications. The mineral is often used as a source of iron and sulfur in the production of steel, and its magnetic properties have applications in the manufacturing of magnets, electronic devices, and magnetic recording media. Additionally, its ability to undergo oxidation gives rise to its characteristic color changes upon exposure to air or moisture.

   However, pyrrhotite can have negative effects under certain circumstances. In building construction, the presence of pyrrhotite in concrete aggregate can lead to a chemical reaction that causes the material to expand over time, resulting in cracks and damage. This phenomenon, known as pyrrhotite decay or pyrrhotite-related concrete deterioration (PRCD), can compromise the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure.

Common Misspellings for PYRRHOTITE

• oyrrhotite
• lyrrhotite
• -yrrhotite
• 0yrrhotite
• ptrrhotite
• pgrrhotite
• phrrhotite
• purrhotite
• p7rrhotite
• p6rrhotite
• pyerhotite
• pydrhotite
• pyfrhotite
• pytrhotite
• py5rhotite
• py4rhotite
• pyrehotite
• pyrdhotite
• pyrfhotite
• lpyrrhotite

Etymology of PYRRHOTITE

The word "pyrrhotite" is derived from the Greek word "pyrrhos", which means "red". The suffix "-ite" is used in mineralogy to indicate a mineral. Therefore, "pyrrhotite" can be translated as "red mineral". This name was given to the mineral due to its reddish to bronze color when it tarnishes.

Plural form of PYRRHOTITE is PYRRHOTITES