Comparison of Flotation Properties among Pyrrhotite, Pyrite and Marcasite

Fundamental studies on flotation of Iron Sulphide Minerals (1st Report)

Abstract

Pyrrhotite, pyrite and marcasite, known generically as Iron Sulphide Minerals, have a similar chemical composition respectively, but on the other hand, each mineral is composed of a different crystal structure. Accordingly, as these minerals have a similar property respectively and at the same time, each shows cr quite different property, their flotation operation must be carefully done based on the particularity of their properties.
From these points of view, the author set about this study for the purpose of investigating and contrasting the flotation properties of pyrrhotite, pyrite and marcasite systematically considering the relation crystal structures.
In this report, for the purpose of comparing the flotation properties of these minerals fundamentally. “Flotation Properties with Xanthates”, “Effect of Activation with Copper Sulphate and Cupric Chloride” and “Effect of Depression with Soda Ash, Calcium Hydroxide, Sodium Cyanide and Starch” are investigated and. contrasted, under the same conditions made on three minerals, connecting with pH variation. The main results obtained are described in article 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of the text, and in Fig. 2 to Fig. 6. Thus, the author believes that more definite knowledge has been obtained about similar points based on similarity of chemical composition of pyrrhotite, pyrite and marcasite, and about different points which seem to be based on the difference of their crystal structures, in the flotation properties of these minerals.