Methodology

A method for generating uniform size-segregated pyrite particle fractions

Amy L Wolfe¹ , Ran Liu^2,3 , Brian W Stewart¹ , Rosemary C Capo¹ and David A Dzombak²

¹Department of Geology and Planetary Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA

²Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

³ARRO Consulting, Inc., 270 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA

author email corresponding author email

Geochemical Transactions 2007, 8:9doi:10.1186/1467-4866-8-9

Published:	10 October 2007

Abstract

Background

Standardized sample preparation techniques allow comparison of pyrite dissolution experiments under diverse conditions. Our objective was to assess dry and wet sieving preparation methodologies, and to develop a reproducible technique that yields uniformly size-distributed material within a limited size range of interest.

Results

Here, we describe a wet sieving preparation method that successfully concentrates pyrite particles within a 44–75 μm diameter range. In addition, this technique does not require a post-processing cleanup step to remove adhering particles, as those particles are removed during the procedure. We show that sample preparation methods not only affect the pyrite size distribution, but also apparent dissolution rates.

Conclusion

The presented methodology is non-destructive to the sample, uses readily available chemical equipment within the laboratory, and could be applied to minerals other than pyrite.