metamorphic

Pyrite-bearing schist (likely gold- or sulfide-bearing ore)

Pyrite, FeS₂, in micaceous schist; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-brown, foliated matrix with brassy metallic flakes and glittering surfaces, consistent with pyrite in mica-rich schist. Pyrite hardness is 6–6.5 Mohs, metallic luster, cubic crystal structure, and specific gravity about 5.0; the host schist is softer and splits along foliation.

Identified September 20, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Pyrite-bearing schist (likely gold- or sulfide-bearing ore)
Scientific name: Pyrite, FeS₂, in micaceous schist; exact identification requires testing
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $3–$25 as a small common specimen; $50–$200+ if attractive, unusually mineralized, or assay-confirmed gold-bearing.

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 sulfide-bearing sediments or volcanic material were metamorphosed, concentrating pyrite along foliation; age depends on locality and cannot be determined from the image. The yellow metallic grains may also include chalcopyrite or native gold, which cannot be confirmed visually.

Uses & applications

Collected as an ore specimen; pyrite is mined for sulfur and historically for sulfuric-acid production, while schist has limited decorative or aggregate use. Any gold value depends on assay rather than appearance.

Geological facts

Pyrite’s brassy color commonly causes confusion with gold, but pyrite is brittle and leaves a dark streak, whereas gold is malleable and leaves a yellow streak.

Field identification & locations

Check for foliation, metallic brassy grains, brittleness, and streak on unglazed porcelain; use hardness, density, acid, and laboratory assay to distinguish pyrite, chalcopyrite, and gold. Common in metamorphic belts and hydrothermal ore deposits worldwide.