1. n. [Drilling Fluids]

A mineral containing ferrous sulfide, FeS, that typically contains inclusions of free sulfur and other minerals. It is commonly present in shales, and may occur as a trace mineral in some barite ores. Pyrrhotite can liberate sulfides in alkaline muds, with adverse consequences for safety and corrosion.

Reference: Binder GG, Carlton LA and Garrett RL: "Evaluating Barite as a Source of Soluble Carbonate and Sulfide Contamination in Drilling Fluids," Journal of Petroleum Technology 33, no. 12 (December 1981): 2371-2376.

See related terms: caustic extraction test,  Garrett Gas Train,  hydrogen sulfide,  iron sulfide,  siderite,  sulfide,  sulfide scavenger