Mossbauer spectroscopy to characterize iron sulphides

Mossbauer spectroscopy, SEM and microprobe analyses were used to study a naturally occurring and a synthetically produced mineral. Valleriite is a complex layered mineral and varies on the basis of crystal structure, composition and occurrence. The Mossbauer technique was used to characterize and describe it. The valleriite studied contains iron in the 2+ and 3+ oxidation states and the proportions of the two states were calculated. Pyrite was synthesized by reacting Fe2+ and S2O32- and the compound thus produced can be used in the manufacture of thermal batteries. The Mossbauer, SEM and X-ray data of the synthesized pyrite were compared with information on naturally occurring pyrite and other iron sulphides.