[Rockhounds] Pyrrhotite problems

[pmodreski at aol.com]

Hi, Larry, interesting situation.  Pyrrhotite occurs in Precambrian formations, like the Franklin Marble, whereas I think most limestones just contain pyrite--I wonder if it is Precambrian-age rock that's being quarried?
P.S., still puzzling over how many zeros are supposed to be in the dollar number that you wrote, evidently mis-typing as you did,

$150-200,00

... wondering if you meant that it is supposed to be a 4, 5, or 6-digit price tag?  I'm thinking, you meant 150,000 ?
Cheers, Pete


-----Original Message-----
From: larryrush <larryrush at att.net>
To: rockhounds <rockhounds at rockhounds.drizzle.com>
Sent: Mon, Dec 17, 2018 7:52 am
Subject: [Rockhounds] Pyrrhotite problems

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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