mineral
Pyrite
Iron Disulfide (FeS2)
Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Pale brass-yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, by magmatic segregation, or as an authigenic mineral in sedimentary rocks and metamorphic environments. Found across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Historically used for sulfur and sulfuric acid production. Today it is used in jewelry (as marcasite), in paper making, and is a popular collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Often called 'Fool's Gold' because its color and high specific gravity confuse it with real gold. Unlike gold, it is brittle and leaves a greenish-black streak.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its brassy color, cubic crystal habit, and hardness (it scratches copper but gold won't). Common in Peru, Spain, and North America.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral