mineral

Pyrite-bearing sulfide specimen

Pyrite (FeS₂), possibly with chalcopyrite and quartz or carbonate gangue

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brassy yellow metallic luster, granular to botryoidal texture, and irregular fracture; apparent hardness about 6–6.5 Mohs and specific gravity near 5.0. The rounded form and muted color suggest a natural sulfide aggregate rather than a crystal-quality cube.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary sulfide deposits when iron-bearing fluids precipitated sulfide minerals. Exact age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Collected as a mineral specimen; pyrite is historically used as a sulfur source and in sulfuric-acid production, though it has little modern ornamental value unless well crystallized.

Geological facts

Pyrite is popularly called “fool’s gold,” but it is harder, more brittle, and generally less malleable than gold. Oxidation can produce sulfuric acid and rusty iron oxides, especially in damp storage.

Field identification & locations

Look for a metallic brassy color, dark streak, high density, and resistance to scratching by a steel blade; gold is softer and leaves a yellow streak. A definitive identification requires streak, hardness, density, and ideally chemical or X-ray testing.