Pentlandite
An iron–nickel sulphide found with pyrrhotite in carbonaceous chondrites.
Key facts
- Formula
- (Fe,Ni)9S8
- Family
- Sulphides
- Crystal system
- Cubic
What it is
Pentlandite is a sulphide of iron and nickel in roughly equal amounts. It is the world's most important ore of nickel. It is named after Joseph Pentland, an Irish scientist.
Where it is found
In meteorites it occurs in CM, CI, CR, CO and CK chondrites and in R chondrites, usually as grains or exsolved lamellae within pyrrhotite. In CM chondrites it is often intergrown with tochilinite.
How it is recognised
It is pale bronze, not magnetic, and creamy in polished section. Its exsolution from pyrrhotite gives distinctive flame-like textures.
Did you know?
The Sudbury impact structure in Canada is one of the world's largest sources of pentlandite and nickel.
In CK chondrites, pentlandite is common because the rocks are oxidised and metal is rare.