Greigite formation in aqueous solutions: critical constraints into the role of iron and sulphur ratios, pH and Eh, and temperature using reaction pathway modelling
File(s)1-s2.0-S0009254123003182-main.pdf (10.76 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Turney, Jack
Weiss, Dominik
Muxworthy, AR
Fraser, Al
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Greigite forms as an intermediate phase along the pyrite reaction pathway. Despite being considered metastable, it is observed in numerous shallow natural systems, suggesting it could be a unique proxy for diagenetic and environmental conditions. We use thermodynamic reaction pathway modelling in PHREEQC software, to understand the role of iron and sulphur ratios, pH and Eh, and temperature on the formation and retention of greigite in aqueous solutions. With newly available experimental thermodynamic properties, this work identifies the chemical boundary conditions for greigite formation in aqueous solutions. Greigite precipitation is likely favourable in anoxic and alkaline aqueous solutions at or below 25 °C. Our numerical experiments show that greigite is closer to saturation in iron-rich solutions with minor sulphur input. Greigite precipitation in strongly alkaline solutions suggest polysulfides and ferric iron-bearing minerals may be favourable reactants for its formation. Greigite precipitates at iron and sulphur concentrations that are over two orders of magnitude greater than iron sulphide-hosted natural porewaters. This disparity between model and field observations suggest microenvironments within bulk solutions may be important for greigite formation and retention. These constraints suggest greigite is more likely to form alongside pyrite in shallow, non-steady state aqueous solutions.
Date Issued
2023-09-30
Date Acceptance
2023-06-28
Citation
Chemical Geology, 2023, 635, pp.1-16
ISSN
0009-2541
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
1
End Page
16
Journal / Book Title
Chemical Geology
Volume
635
Copyright Statement
© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009254123003182
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
121618
Date Publish Online
2023-06-30