mineral
Pyrite
Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Pale brass-yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks (as an authigenic mineral), and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks
Uses & applications
Historical source of sulfur and sulfuric acid; used in jewelry as marcasite; used as an ignition source in wheel-lock guns; currently a minor ore of iron and gold-indicator
Geological facts
Commonly known as Fool's Gold because its color often tricks novice prospectors into thinking they have found precious metal
Field identification & locations
Identify by its cubic crystal habit, brittle nature (gold is malleable), and greenish-black streak when rubbed on a porcelain plate
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral