[Rockhounds] Pyrrhotite problems

[larryrush at att.net]

People not in the NE US may not be familiar with a mineral problem that is
causing major issues here in NW Connecticut.

It seems that the concrete for new housing foundations had, for years, been
quarried in a local cement quarry. The rock contains pyrrhotite, which, as
you know, is an Iron Sulphide.

Over some period of time, the mineral in the solid foundations has reacted
with oxygen and water to form an acidic compound, similar to sulphuric acid,
which has deteriorated the concrete foundations of houses using it from that
one quarry. The foundations are crumbling, the houses eventually will
collapse, and the foundations can only be replaced, not repaired. This now
is identified in some 6 counties, involving thousands of homes. The
insurance companies are balking, naturally, the state does not want to help,
and the homeowners are stuck to the tune of $150-200,00 for foundation
replacement. So far, there is no easy remedy or financial help.

 

If only the contractors had called a geologist, a geochemist, or even
(gasp!) a mineral collector when the quarry was operating!!

 

The saving grace is that many people are suddenly becoming more interested
in mineralogy..the hard way to get new people in our clubs!!

 

 

Larry Rush

BS Geology

ConnRox Minerals

Guilford, CT

 



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