Pyrite Framboid Formation Chemistry

Pyrite forms mainly through two routes: (1) the reaction between FeS species and polysulfides, and (2) the reaction of FeS species and H2S. Both of these reactions produce framboidal pyrite, and the mechanisms have been confirmed both kinetically and through the use of isotopic tracers. Aqueous Fe2+ does not appear to react directly with aqueous polysulfide species to produce pyrite, and the S-S bond in aqueous S2(-II) is normally split by aqueous Fe2+ to produce aqueous FeS and sulfur. The FeS moiety involved in pyrite formation may be provided by aqueous FeS or =FeS groups on solid surfaces. The reaction with surface =FeS occurs with any iron mineral in a sulfidic environment, including the relatively scarce iron sulfide minerals, mackinawite and greigite, nanoparticulate FeS, and pyrite itself. The reaction with surface =FeS sites on pyrite is a major route for pyrite crystal growth. The extreme insolubility of pyrite is one of the fundamental reasons for its particular involvement in framboid formation as well as for the ubiquity of framboids.