mineral
Pyrite
Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2; Streak: Greenish-black to brownish-black
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Pale brass-yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2; Streak: Greenish-black to brownish-black
Formation & geological history
Formed in high and low-temperature hydrothermal veins, also by magmatic segregation, in contact metamorphic deposits, and as an accessory mineral in sedimentary and igneous rocks.
Uses & applications
Source of sulfur and sulfuric acid; historical use in ignition mechanisms for firearms; popular as collector specimens and sometimes used in gemstone jewelry (often incorrectly called 'marcasite').
Geological facts
Known as 'Fool's Gold' due to its deceptive color; it can spark when struck against steel. It is the most common sulfide mineral on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (harder than gold, it will scratch glass) and its greenish-black streak. Commonly found in Spain, Italy, Peru, and the USA. Collectors look for well-defined cubic or pyritohedron crystal shapes.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic