igneous
Granite with Pyrite Inclusion
Granite (felsic intrusive igneous rock) with Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-white, gray, black with brassy metallic specs; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-white, gray, black with brassy metallic specs
- Luster
- Vitreous to metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-white, gray, black with brassy metallic specs; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Structure: Phaneritic (coarse-grained); Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.75
Formation & geological history
Formed through the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface (intrusive igneous). Hydrothermal fluids during late-stage magmatic crystallization deposited brassy metallic pyrite mineralization within quartz and feldspar fractures.
Uses & applications
Used widely as dimension stone, architectural tiles, countertops, and aggregate. Pyrite-bearing rocks are collected by rockhounds and studied for economic geology.
Geological facts
Granite forms much of the continental crust. Small, sparkling inclusions of pyrite within granite are often mistaken for gold, giving pyrite its famous nickname 'Fool's Gold'.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by coarse grains of pink orthoclase feldspar, translucent quartz, dark biotite mica, and tiny cubic or granular brass-yellow metallic specks of pyrite. Commonly found in continental mountain cores and shield areas.
