mineral
Quartz with Pyrite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Sulfide (FeS2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale for quartz and 6-6.5 for pyrite; white to clear with metallic brass-yellow specks; vitreous to metallic luster; trigonal crystal system for quartz and isometric for pyrite; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity around 2.65 for quartz and 5.0 for pyrite.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale for quartz and 6-6.5 for pyrite; white to clear with metallic brass-yellow specks; vitreous to metallic luster; trigonal crystal system for quartz and isometric for pyrite; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity around 2.65 for quartz and 5.0 for pyrite.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins where mineral-rich hot water solutions deposit silica and sulfide minerals under high pressure and temperature over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in mineral specimen collecting, lapidary arts, and educational displays.
Geological facts
Pyrite is commonly known as 'fool's gold' due to its brassy metallic sheen that has historically confused inexperienced prospectors looking for actual gold.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in association with ore veins and pegmatites; identified by its hardness, distinct crystal habits, and contrasting metallic flecks embedded in a white matrix.
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