PYRITE
	The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulfide with the formula FeS2. This mineral’s metallic luster and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool’s gold due to its resemblance to gold. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals. Pyrite is usually found associated with other sulfides or oxides in quartz veins, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock, as well as in coal beds, and as a replacement mineral in fossils. Despite being nicknamed fool’s gold, small quantities of gold are sometimes found associated with pyrite. In fact, such auriferous pyrite is a valuable ore of gold. Pyrite exposed to the atmosphere during mining and excavation reacts with oxygen and water to form sulfate, resulting in acid mine drainage. This acidity results from the action of Acidithiobacillus bacteria, which generate their energy by oxidizing ferrous iron (Fe2+) to ferric iron (Fe3+) using oxygen. The ferric iron in turn attacks the pyrite to produce ferrous iron and sulfate. The ferrous iron is then available for oxidation by the bacterium; this cycle continues until the pyrite is depleted.
	PYRITE RESOURCES OF INDIA
	The all India total resources of pyrite as on 1-4-2005 (provisional) are 1674.4 million tonnes. Out of these 56.72 million tonnes are under Reserve Category and balance 1617.7 million tonnes under Remaining Resource Category. Out of the total resources 6.02 million tonnes are soil reclamation grade, 61.6 million tonnes beneficiable grade, 1552.8 million tones low grade and the balance 53.9 million tonnes are unclassified and not known grades. Out of the total resources 60.38 million tonnes are in freehold and 1614 million tonnes in leasehold sector. The most important deposits occur at Amjhore in Rohtas district, Bihar. Saladipura in Sikar district, Rajasthan is another promising deposit.