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Pentlandite

Pentlandite is a nickel–iron sulfide mineral with the approximate chemical composition (Fe,Ni)9S8. It is the most important nickel ore mineral and commonly occurs in magmatic sulfide deposits associated with ultramafic and mafic rocks. In these settings it typically forms alongside other sulfides such as pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and magnetite.

Chemically, pentlandite shows a solid solution between iron and nickel. Its crystal system is cubic, and the

Pentlandite occurs as disseminated grains or coarse to fine-grained masses within sulfide-rich zones of igneous rocks

Etymology and naming aside, pentlandite is named for the Pentland Hills in Scotland, reflecting the locality

mineral
displays
a
metallic
luster
with
a
bronze
to
brownish
color.
It
has
a
hardness
around
3.5
to
4
on
the
Mohs
scale
and
a
relatively
high
density,
typically
about
4.6
to
5.0.
and
ore
bodies.
It
is
widely
reported
in
nickel-bearing
sulfide
deposits
around
the
world,
including
major
mining
districts
in
Canada,
Russia,
Finland,
and
other
nickel-rich
regions.
Its
presence
is
a
key
indicator
of
nickel
potential
in
a
sulfide
ore
body
and
guides
mining
and
processing
decisions
for
nickel
extraction.
where
the
mineral
was
first
described.
The
mineral's
economic
importance
stems
from
its
role
as
the
primary
source
of
nickel
in
many
layered
intrusions
and
ophiolite-related
deposits,
making
it
central
to
nickel
mining
and
metallurgy.