mineral
Pyrite
Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Pale brass-yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.8-5.0
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks (as an authigenic mineral), and as an accessory mineral in igneous rocks
Uses & applications
Historical source of sulfur and sulfuric acid; used in jewelry as marcasite; used as an ignition source in wheel-lock guns; currently a minor ore of iron and gold-indicator
Geological facts
Commonly known as Fool's Gold because its color often tricks novice prospectors into thinking they have found precious metal
Field identification & locations
Identify by its cubic crystal habit, brittle nature (gold is malleable), and greenish-black streak when rubbed on a porcelain plate
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Metamorphic
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Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary