mineral
Pyrite or Chalcopyrite specimen (Gold-colored mineral coating)
Iron Sulfide (FeS2) / Copper Iron Sulfide (CuFeS2)
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Pyrite) / 3.5-4 (Chalcopyrite). Color: Brass-yellow to golden. Luster: Metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric (Pyrite) or Tetragonal (Chalcopyrite). Streak: Greenish-black to dark gray.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Brass-yellow to golden
- Luster
- Metallic
Identified More mineral →
Explore Pyrite or Chalcopyrite specimen (Gold-colored mineral coating) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Pyrite) / 3.5-4 (Chalcopyrite). Color: Brass-yellow to golden. Luster: Metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric (Pyrite) or Tetragonal (Chalcopyrite). Streak: Greenish-black to dark gray.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, metamorphic rocks, and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks, often deposited by hot mineral-rich fluids.
Uses & applications
Used historically as an ore of iron or copper, sulfur production, and widely sold as decorative geological display specimens.
Geological facts
Pyrite is famously known as 'Fool's Gold' due to its metallic luster and brass-yellow hue, which frequently caused inexperienced prospectors to mistake it for real gold.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high metallic luster, brassy yellow color, brittle nature, and dark greenish-black streak, contrasting with real gold which is malleable and leaves a yellow streak.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary