Asked by juhh

4 uses of pyrite

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
1) Production of sulfuric acid — pyrite (FeS2) can be roasted to produce sulfur dioxide (SO2), which is converted to sulfuric acid. Historically this was an important industrial source of sulfur.

2) Decorative / jewelry use — polished pyrite (“fool’s gold”) and pyrite nodules are used as cabochons, beads, and ornamental specimens.

3) Indicator/host mineral for gold — pyrite commonly occurs with gold and is used as a pathfinder in exploration; some gold deposits are recovered from pyrite-rich ores.

4) Research material for photovoltaics and semiconductors — FeS2 has an attractive bandgap and abundance, so it’s studied as a low-cost absorber for experimental solar cells and other electronic applications.

(Extra note: pyrite oxidation can cause acid mine drainage, so handling and mining have environmental concerns.)