mineral
Pyrite (Fool's Gold)
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, and as an authigenic mineral in sedimentary rocks; present in environments ranging from precambrian to modern day.
Uses & applications
Used commercially for the production of sulfuric acid and sulfur dioxide; occasionally used in jewelry (marcasite) and as a collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Known as Fool's Gold due to its visual similarity to real gold; however, it is harder and leaves a greenish-black streak when scratched on porcelain.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its brassy color, cubic crystal habit, and high hardness; common in many geological settings worldwide; collectors should look for well-defined cubic or pyritohedral faces.
More like this
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