Knowra Arsenopyrite Arsenopyrite Arsenopyrite is an iron arsenic sulfide mineral with the formula FeAsS. It is the most common source of arsenic and occurs in many hydrothermal ore deposits.
Sulfide minerals : Minerals in which sulfur is bonded to one or more metals or semimetals. Arsenopyrite belongs to this mineral class because sulfur bonds with iron and arsenic.
Hydrothermal circulation : The movement of heated, mineral-rich water through rocks and fractures. Hydrothermal fluids precipitate arsenopyrite in many veins and ore deposits.
Gold ore : Rock or sediment containing gold in concentrations that can be mined economically. Arsenopyrite commonly occurs with gold and can host microscopic gold inclusions.
Carlin-type gold deposit : A disseminated gold deposit type characterized by fine-grained gold in altered sedimentary rocks. Arsenian pyrite and arsenopyrite can accompany gold in some deposits of this type.
Arsenic toxicity : Harmful effects caused by exposure to arsenic, which can damage multiple organ systems. Arsenopyrite is a major mineral source of arsenic that can enter air, water, or soil.
Arsenic : A chemical element with atomic number 33, found in minerals and used in alloys and semiconductors. Arsenopyrite contains arsenic, which can be released during mining and weathering.
Sulfide mineral oxidation : Chemical reactions that oxidize sulfide minerals when exposed to oxygen and water. Oxidation of arsenopyrite can release arsenic and generate acidic drainage.
Arsenic production : The industrial recovery of arsenic from ores, concentrates, and process residues. Arsenopyrite has historically supplied arsenic for industrial use.
Skarn : A rock formed by chemical alteration where hot fluids react with carbonate-rich rocks. Arsenopyrite occurs in some skarns alongside other hydrothermal ore minerals.
Arsenic in drinking water : Arsenic dissolved in water used for drinking, cooking, or food preparation. Arsenic released from arsenopyrite weathering can contaminate drinking-water sources.
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