Pyrrhotiitien

Pyrrhotiitien is a mineral belonging to the pyrrhotite group, which are iron sulfides with the general formula Fe1-xS. Pyrrhotite itself is characterized by a non-stoichiometric iron content, meaning the ratio of iron to sulfur can vary. This variation in iron content influences the magnetic properties of the mineral. Pyrrhotiitien is a specific variety or a less commonly used term to describe pyrrhotite, often implying a particular crystal structure or occurrence.

The mineral typically forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks, such as gabbros and peridotites, and is also found in metamorphic rocks and meteorites. Pyrrhotite can exhibit a range of colors from pale bronze to dark brown, often with a metallic luster. Its hardness is between 3.5 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and it possesses a characteristic faint magnetic property that can intensify upon heating. This magnetic behavior is a key identifier for the mineral.

Pyrrhotite plays a role in economic geology as a primary ore of nickel and cobalt, as these elements are often found in solid solution within the iron sulfide structure. Its presence in rocks can also indicate the conditions under which they formed, particularly the sulfur fugacity. While "pyrrhotiitien" is not a widely recognized distinct mineral species in standard classification, it likely refers to the common mineral pyrrhotite, possibly emphasizing a specific aspect of its composition or crystallography.