Mineral map hopes to end concrete that has damaged thousands of US homes

An image showing a collector sample of pyrrhotite

Source: Courtesy of Carlin Green/USGS

Concrete containing pyrrhotite can disintegrate on exposure to air and water

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has released its first map of where pyrrhotite – a mineral with the potential to compromise the integrity of concrete – is most likely to found across the continental US. It is hoped that the map will help the US construction industry avoid pyrrhotite-bearing rocks.