mineral
Pyrite
Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Brass-yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
Identified More mineral →
Explore Pyrite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Brass-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 4.9-5.2
Formation & geological history
Forms in diverse environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary settings via hydrothermal activity, magmatic segregation, or chemical precipitation in low-oxygen environments.
Uses & applications
Used as an ore of sulfur and sulfuric acid, in costume jewelry, and as a popular collector specimen. Historically used for making fire and in early radio receivers.
Geological facts
Commonly known as 'Fool's Gold' due to its resemblance to precious metals. Unlike gold, it is brittle and leaves a greenish-black streak when rubbed on a porcelain plate.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its metallic brass color, hard/brittle texture (cannot be scratched by a copper penny), and cubic habit. Commonly found in Spain, Peru, Italy, and the USA.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Mineral Sand (Heavy Mineral Sand Concentrate)
Placer deposit concentrate containing minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and magnetite
mineral
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic