Roger Doonan wrote:
> I agree with Thilo that the sulphur is most likely from the coal but why not
> the iron too!
> Iron pyrite inclusions are not that uncommon in some coals and if they were
> heated in a reducing atmosphere then prills of iron sulphide would result.
>
> cheers
>
> roger
>
> **********************
> Dr R.C.P. Doonan
> Archaeology Group
> University of Bournemouth
> Bournemouth
> Dorset BH12 5BB
> UK
> t 01202 595452
> e [log in to unmask]
> f 01202 595255
> **********************
Here in the US many of the early Virginia furnaces (Fredericksville, Chiswell's,
Tubal, Neabsco, Occoquan, Gryme's Recovery, and Accokeek) were using limonite
ores from gossan deposits. These same deposits were later mined for iron pyrite
(deeper level). It is possible that there was some residual pyrite. None of
this iron has ever been subjected to testing, but there are pigs from a few.
JH Brothers IV
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