mineral
Pyrite or Chalcopyrite
Iron sulfide (FeS2) or Copper iron sulfide (CuFeS2)
Metallic luster, pale brass-yellow to golden-yellow color. Hardness 6-6.5 (pyrite) or 3.5-4 (chalcopyrite). Often forms cubic or pyritohedral crystals, but frequently found massive.
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Physical properties
Metallic luster, pale brass-yellow to golden-yellow color. Hardness 6-6.5 (pyrite) or 3.5-4 (chalcopyrite). Often forms cubic or pyritohedral crystals, but frequently found massive.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
Uses & applications
Historically used as a source of sulfur and iron. Sometimes used in jewelry (as marcasite). Chalcopyrite is an important ore of copper.
Geological facts
Known as 'fool's gold' due to its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue, which resembles gold.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its brass-yellow color, metallic luster, and greenish-black to brownish-black streak. Brittle compared to gold, which is malleable.
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Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock