How To Test For Pyrite. Pyrite was once used as a source of sulfur but is now only a minor ore for both sulfur and iron. A visual inspection will at best only give an indication of the likelihood of pyrite. The percentage or concentration of pyrite in the backfill and the age of the property will determine the extent of the expansion that would have taken place under the concrete floors. The sample of back-fill would be examined on site by the building surveyor.
The best way to get rid of pyrite problems is to break the concrete. The percentage or concentration of pyrite in the backfill and the age of the property will determine the extent of the expansion that would have taken place under the concrete floors. How to Test for Pyrite in the sample. Today it is used as an ornamental stone as well as a very popular stone for amateur collectors. It still doesnt tell you. Subject to certain conditions pyrite is problematic in confined construction such as under floor filling and bridge embankments.
Thats one of the simple tests.
Doors catching on floors. Heaving lifting of a floor slab resulting in slopes and cracks. The only way to find out beyond any doubt if the warning signs are related to pyrite is to ask a renowned laboratory like Sedexlab or Multitest for example to test the backfill. The percentage or concentration of pyrite in the backfill and the age of the property will determine the extent of the expansion that would have taken place under the concrete floors. Thats one of the simple tests. It can take up to ten years for the first signs of pyrite damage to show.