The Gibbs free energy of nukundamite (Cu3.38Fe0.62S4): A correction and implications for phase equilibria

Canadian Mineralogist
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Abstract

The Gibbs free energy of formation of nukundamite (Cu3.38Fe0.62S4) was calculated from published experimental studies of the reaction 3.25 Cu3.38Fe0.62S4 + S2 = 11 CuS + 2 FeS2 in order to correct an erroneous expression in the published record. The correct expression describing the Gibbs free energy of formation (kJ·mol−1) of nukundamite relative to the elements and ideal S2 gas is Δfnukundamite, T(K) = −549.75 + 0.23242 T + 3.1284 T0.5, with an uncertainty of 0.6%. An evaluation of the phase equilibria of nukundamite with associated phases in the system Cu–Fe–S as a function of temperature and sulfur fugacity indicates that nukundamite is stable from 224 to 501°C at high sulfidation states. At its greatest extent, at 434°C, the stability field of nukundamite is only 0.4 log f(S2) units wide, which explains its rarity. Equilibria between nukundamite and bornite, which limit the stability of both phases, involve bornite compositions that deviate significantly from stoichiometric Cu5FeS4. Under equilibrium conditions in the system Cu–Fe–S, nukundamite + chalcopyrite is not a stable assemblage at any temperature.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The Gibbs free energy of nukundamite (Cu3.38Fe0.62S4): A correction and implications for phase equilibria
Series title Canadian Mineralogist
DOI 10.2113/gscanmin.39.6.1635
Volume 39
Issue 6
Year Published 2001
Language English
Publisher Mineralogical Association of Canada
Contributing office(s) Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center
Description 6 p.
First page 1635
Last page 1640
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