mineral

Pyrite (likely)

Iron disulfide, FeS₂; commonly called fool’s gold

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brassy yellow, metallic luster, granular/massive texture; Mohs hardness 6–6.5, cubic crystal system, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 5.0. The irregular specimen appears heavily weathered or naturally granular rather than showing distinct cubes.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in reducing, sulfur-rich environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, coal beds, and metamorphic settings. Individual crystals can form over broad geological timescales, commonly from Paleozoic to younger deposits.

Uses & applications

Used historically as a sulfur source and minor iron ore; today it is chiefly a teaching, collecting, and decorative mineral. It is not generally valuable as gold ore unless chemically assayed.

Geological facts

Pyrite can resemble gold but is harder, more brittle, and usually paler; it produces a dark streak, whereas gold leaves a yellow streak. Oxidation may generate sulfuric acid and rusty iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Peru, Spain, Italy, China, the United States, and Canada. Confirm with a streak test, hardness test, and ideally density or chemical analysis; image identification is provisional because chalcopyrite or pyrrhotite can look similar.