mineral
Pyrite
Iron Disulfide (FeS2)
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: brass-yellow, opaque; Luster: metallic; Crystal structure: isometric/cubic; Cleavage: indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- brass-yellow, opaque
- Luster
- metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: brass-yellow, opaque; Luster: metallic; Crystal structure: isometric/cubic; Cleavage: indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, as a magmatic segregation, in contact metamorphic deposits, and in sedimentary rocks as a primary or authigenic mineral.
Uses & applications
Major source of sulfur for sulfuric acid production; historically used for firearms (wheellocks); used in jewelry (marcasite); popular specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Commonly known as 'Fool's Gold' due to its resemblance to precious metals. It often occurs as perfect cubes or pyritohedrons (12-faced crystals).
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass) and dark green-black streak; real gold is soft (scratched by copper) and lacks a dark streak. Found globally, especially in Peru, Spain, and the USA.
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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