mineral

Pyrite in Quartz

Iron Sulfide (FeS2) with Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6-6.5 (pyrite), 7 (quartz); Color: Pale brass-yellow to golden with white/milky quartz; Luster: Metallic to submetallic on pyrite, vitreous on quartz; Crystal Structure: Isometric (pyrite), Trigonal (quartz); Specific Gravity: ~4.9-5.0 for pyrite.

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Pale brass-yellow to golden with white/milky quartz
Luster: Metallic to submetallic on pyrite, vitreous on quartz

Identified August 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary environments through the precipitation of iron and sulfur in reducing conditions, often associated with quartz gangue.

Uses & applications

Used as a mineral specimen for collectors, historical source of sulfur and sulfuric acid, and occasionally in jewelry or decorative items.

Geological facts

Commonly known as 'Fool's Gold' due to its superficial resemblance to real gold, pyrite has been used historically to strike fire.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its brassy yellow metallic luster, high hardness (cannot be scratched by a knife), and brittle cubic or massive habit, often embedded in a white quartz matrix.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

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Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

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Schist

Metamorphic

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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