By Chisom Ibemere
The word marcasite is derived from the Arabic or Moorish word for Pyrite and minerals like Bismuth and Antimony. It is a common Iron sulfide that can be utilized worldwide. Marcasite is majorly used for Jewelry both in ancient and modern times. They are used in making bracelets, earrings and pendants at subsidized rates.
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Marcasite also known as “white iron pyrite” is lighter and more brittle than Pyrite. Marcasite forms as both primary or secondary mineral. It is formed under low temperature and high acidic conditions. It occurs in both sedimentary and low temperature hydrothermal veins.
Marcasite forms concretions, nodules and crystals in Sedimentary rocks as a primary mineral while as a secondary mineral, it is produced through chemical alterations of a primary mineral like Pyrrhotite.
Marcasite had been used as additive to cements in improving it’s hardness. Recently, Marcasite is used in the production of sulphuric acid used in the petroleum and metal industries. Marcasite can also be used in the extraction of rare elements like Uranium.
