Pyrrrhotite

Introduction: Pyrrhotite has a faint reddish colour and is named from the Greek pyrrotes, meaning reddish. It is often found in ultramafic and mafic rocks associated with other sulphides.

Distribution: Kobos copper mine 55km south-west of Rehoboth, the Matchless and Rosh Pinah Mines and in the Otjiwarongo district.

Composition: Sulphide

Crystal system: Orthorhombic

Lustre: Metallic bronze-yellow to red

Streak: Grey-black

Hardness: 3.5-4.5