Optical Topographic Studies on the Natural Iron Pyrite (FeS₂) Crystals

Abstract

Studies on the microtopographical features present on the natural iron disulphide crystals are carried out. Presence of striations, propogating in directions parallel to one of the crystal edges, is noted. Detailed studies reveal that the edges of highly elongated layers, covering the entire crystal face, appear as striations. This aspect is further probed and it is found that the crystals grow by t w o dimensional nucleation. The features resulting from the interaction of impurity clusters with surface process are studied to determine the nature of the surface process; the features are interpreted aa due to growth and not due to dissolution.