mineral

Pyrite

Iron Sulfide (FeS2)

Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Pale brass-yellow to golden; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Pale brass-yellow to golden
Luster: Metallic

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Pale brass-yellow to golden; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2

Formation & geological history

Formed in a variety of geological settings including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks as a replacement mineral, and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Historically used as a source of sulfur and sulfuric acid; today primarily used as a collector specimen, in jewelry (known as marcasite), and as an ore of iron or incidental gold.

Geological facts

Commonly known as Fool's Gold due to its resemblance to precious metal, pyrite can actually produce sparks when struck against steel or flint, which is how it earned its name from the Greek word 'pyr' meaning fire.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its brittle nature, greenish-black streak (real gold has a yellow streak), and characteristic cubic or pyritohedral crystal shapes. Found globally, with notable deposits in Spain, Peru, and the USA.