marcasite

marcasite (mär'kusīt) [key]or white iron pyrites,a mineral closely resembling and having the same chemical composition (FeS₂) as pyrite. It differs from pyrite in that it is paler in color, becomes darker upon oxidation, and crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Twinned crystals resembling cockscombs (cockscomb pyrites) or spearheads (spear pyrites) are of common occurrence. The mineral occurs in marls, clays, and limestones in many parts of the world.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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