metamorphic

Polished pyrite-bearing breccia (likely hematite/jasper with pyrite)

Iron-oxide-rich jasper/hematite breccia with disseminated pyrite (FeS₂); exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness commonly 6–7 (pyrite ~6–6.5; hematite ~5–6.5), dark reddish-brown to black with metallic brass-gold glitter, opaque, and polished with a vitreous-to-metallic luster. The angular multicolored fragments suggest brecciation and cementation by iron oxides/silica.

Identified September 19, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished pyrite-bearing breccia (likely hematite/jasper with pyrite)
Scientific name: Iron-oxide-rich jasper/hematite breccia with disseminated pyrite (FeS₂); exact identification requires testing
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 19, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$40 for a small polished heart; $50–$150 for larger, unusually attractive or well-crafted specimens.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when iron-rich silica-bearing rock fractured and was cemented, with later growth of pyrite and hematite; typically Precambrian to younger hydrothermal or sedimentary systems. The heart shape is human-cut and polished.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental stone, carving material, cabochon, and collectible; not generally used structurally. Pyrite-bearing specimens are valued primarily for appearance and craftsmanship.

Geological facts

The golden metallic flecks are likely pyrite, while red-brown areas are hematite or iron-stained jasper. A streak test, hardness test, and specific-gravity measurement would distinguish pyrite from mica or chalcopyrite.

Field identification & locations

Commonly associated with iron-formation and hydrothermal deposits in Australia, Brazil, China, India, and the United States. Check for a dark or reddish streak, absence of cleavage, and metallic brassy grains; avoid prolonged moisture if pyrite-rich.