Abstract for presentation at Chemeca 2005

A review on the controversial phase relations of pyrrhotite group minerals in low temperature ranges

  • Yung Ngothai, The University of Adelaide, Australia
  • Mr Haipeng Wang, The University of Adelaide, Australia
  • Prof Allan Pring, South Australian Museum, Australia
  • A/Prof Brian O'Neill, The University of Adelaide, Australia

    • There have been many articles on the phase relations of pyrrhotite group minerals. In spite of those voluminous effort, many enigmas remain, especially in the low temperature range where revealing true phase relations becomes difficult due to slow solid-state reaction rates. There is general agreement on phase relations at higher temperatures (> 350oC), but many disputes on the phase diagram in low temperature ranges (<350oC). It is a daunting task to determine a solvus between pyrrhotite polymorphs due to the similarity of their diffraction patterns. In this review paper, a series of chemically and structurally discrete phases related by superstructuring are distinguished in the Fe-S phase diagram. A comparison has been made among the research results from various researchers. A more complete phase diagram in Fe-S system is presented by summarizing these previous research results.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd