Magnetic transition at 30-34 Kelvin in pyrrhotite: insight into a widespread occurrence of this mineral in rocks

Abstract

A characteristic magnetic transition at 30-34 K is shown to provide a powerful tool for the identification of pyrrhotite with concentration down to 10 ppm through the same low-temperature techniques as applied to magnetite and hematite, extended down to liquid helium temperature. A review of rock magnetic and petrological data on pyrrhotite suggests that this mineral should be considered as a major carrier of paleomagnetic signals. Unblocking temperature up to 350 °C and extreme resistance against AF may be encountered in fine grained pyrrhotite.