mineral

Quartz-rich metallic sulfide ore (probable pyrite-bearing rock)

Pyrite, FeS₂, in a quartz-rich host; exact identification is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale brassy metallic patches contrast with white-gray quartz and darker matrix; pyrite has Mohs hardness 6–6.5, cubic crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 5.0. The specimen appears rough and naturally fractured rather than polished.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-rich metallic sulfide ore (probable pyrite-bearing rock)
Scientific name: Pyrite, FeS₂, in a quartz-rich host; exact identification is uncertain from the image
Category: mineral
Identified: August 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$2–$15 for a small ordinary rough specimen; $20–$100+ if crystals are well formed or the piece contains attractive associated minerals.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed by hydrothermal mineralization, when hot, metal-bearing fluids deposited sulfides in fractures; age depends on its host deposit and cannot be determined visually. Common in veins and altered volcanic or sedimentary rocks.

Uses & applications

Pyrite-bearing ore is collected as a mineral specimen and may accompany copper, gold, or other sulfide ores; quartz-rich material has little construction value unless part of an economic deposit.

Geological facts

Pyrite is called “fool’s gold,” but it is harder, more brittle, and usually less malleable than gold. Weathering can produce acidic, iron-rich staining and, in some deposits, acid mine drainage.

Field identification & locations

Look for metallic brass-yellow color, high density, brittle fracture, and often cubic or striated crystals; a streak test is dark greenish-black, unlike gold’s yellow streak. Common in hydrothermal veins worldwide, including Spain, Peru, the United States, and China.