Abstract
ONE stage in sedimentary pyrite formation1–3 is ‘FeS’ + S→ FeS2, where ‘FeS’ represents black precursor sulphides such as amorphous iron sulphides and fine-grained mackinawite (Fe1+xS). We report here a Mössbauer spectral study of the formation of pyrite, in sulphide-rich sediments, from the reaction of H2S with hydrated ferric oxides and with ferrous ions in fine-grained chlorite or in amorphous silicates. Approximately 50% of total Fe deposited is converted to pyrite within a few years, with the remainder being converted over several hundred years. Less than 10% of total Fe is present as precursor sulphides. With suitable constraints in computation, Mössbauer methods show considerable potential for measuring rates of reaction of iron compounds in sediments.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Berner, R. A. Science 268, 1–23 (1970).
Rickard, D. T. Stockholm Cont. Geol. 20, 67–85 (1969).
Sweeney, R. E. & Kaplan, I. R. Econ. Geol. 68, 618–634 (1973).
Williams, J. D. H. & Pashley, A. E. J. Fish. Res. Bd Can. (in the press).
Stone, A. J. J. Chem. Soc. (Appendix) 1966–1971 (1967A).
Morice, A. J., Rees, L. V. C. & Richard, D. T. J. inorg. nucl. Chem. 31, 3797–3802 (1969).
Manning, P. G. Can. Miner. 15, 422–426 (1977).
Coey, J. M. D. Proc. Int. Conl. Mössbauer Spectroscopy Cracow 2, 333–354 (1975).
Readman, P. W., Coey, J. M. D., Mosser, Ch. & Weber, G. J. Phys. 37, C6–845–848 (1976).
Manning, P. G. & Ash, L. A. Can. Miner. 17, 111–115 (1979).
Hutchinson, G. E. A Treatise on Limnology Vol. 1 (Wiley, New York, 1957).
Vaughan, D. J. & Ridout, M. S. J. inorg. nucl. Chem. 33, 741–746 (1971).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MANNING, P., WILLIAMS, J., CHARLTON, M. et al. Mössbauer spectral studies of the diagnesis of iron in a sulphide-rich sediment core. Nature 280, 134–136 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1038/280134a0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/280134a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
