Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Sulfi des Carolyn

The metal sulfi des exhibit a great diversity of electrical and magnetic properties with both scientifi c interest and practical applications. These properties apply major constraints on models of the electronic structure (or chemical bonding) in sulfi des (Vaughan and Rosso 2006, this volume). The pure and doped synthetic equivalents of certain sulfi de minerals have actual or potential applications in the electronics industries (optical devices, photovoltaics, photodiodes and magnetic recording devices). Sulfi des are also components of many thin fi lm devices and have been extensively investigated as part of the nanotechnology revolution. Certain electrical and magnetic properties of sulfi de minerals mean they contribute to geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, and provide the geophysical prospector with exploration tools for metalliferous ore deposits. To the mineral technologist, these same properties provide methods for the separation of the metal-bearing sulfi des from associated waste minerals after mining and milling and before extraction of the metal by pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical treatment.