Why in the News?
Scientists have discovered the oldest known evidence of fire making by prehistoric humans in England. The findings include heated clay, heat shattered flint handaxes and pieces of iron pyrite, which can generate sparks when struck against flint.
About Pyrite
- Pyrite is a brass yellow mineral with a bright metallic lustre.
• Chemical composition: Iron sulfide (FeS₂).
• It is the most common sulfide mineral found on Earth.
• The name is derived from the Greek word pyr meaning fire, as pyrite emits sparks when struck by metal or flint.
• Nodules of pyrite found in prehistoric burial mounds suggest its early use in fire making.
• Commonly known as “Fool’s Gold” due to its superficial resemblance to gold.
Distinguishing Pyrite from Gold
- Pyrite is much lighter than gold.
• It is harder than gold and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or a pocket knife.
• Gold is soft, malleable and can be easily scratched.
Occurrence
- Found worldwide in diverse geological settings.
• Occurs in sedimentary deposits, hydrothermal veins and as a constituent of metamorphic rocks.
Uses of Pyrite
- Source of iron and sulfur.
• Used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid.
• Used to produce iron sulfate.
• Iron sulfate applications include nutritional supplements, ink, lawn conditioner, water treatment and flocculation, and moss control.
• Iron sulfate derived from pyrite is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
• Some varieties contain microscopic gold and can be mined as a gold ore.
Prelims Pointer
- Pyrite’s ability to produce sparks made it an important material for early human fire technology.
| Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following? (2023)
(a) Aluminium (b) Copper (c) Iron (d) Titanium |
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