mineral
Pyrite (Fool's Gold)
Iron disulfide (FeS2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 6–6.5, brass-yellow to pale gold with a metallic luster, greenish-black streak, and cubic or pyritohedral crystal habit.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 6–6.5, brass-yellow to pale gold with a metallic luster, greenish-black streak, and cubic or pyritohedral crystal habit.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary environments through precipitation from sulfur-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Historically used to produce sulfur and sulfuric acid; today primarily valued for mineral collecting and ornamental jewelry.
Geological facts
Famous for creating sparks when struck against steel, earning its name from the Greek word 'pyr' meaning fire.
Field identification & locations
Identify by metallic brass luster, high density (specific gravity ~5.0), and dark greenish-black streak differing from true gold. Abundant globally.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous