Pyrite
Pyrite · Mineral Specimen and Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric), typically forming cubes, pyritohedrons, and octahedrons, often found in massive, granular, or nodular habits
Mineral Group
Sulfides
Chemical Formula
FeS2
Formation Process
Forms in a wide range of temperatures and pressures in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, commonly in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits like shales and coal beds
About This Crystal
The specimen exhibits a metallic luster with a brassy-yellow color resembling gold, often earning it the nickname "Fool's Gold". The surface shows granular, crystalline aggregates with micro-facets reflecting light.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Brass-yellow; Streak: Greenish-black to brownish-black; Cleavage: Indistinct; Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 4.8 to 5.0; Tenacity: Brittle; Hardness: 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale
Optical Properties
Opaque with a strong metallic luster, highly reflective, isotropic in the cubic system
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found worldwide, with notable deposits in Peru, Spain, Italy, and the United States
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it relatively hard, but it is brittle and can fracture easily upon heavy impact; tarnishes and oxidizes when exposed to moisture
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry environment to prevent oxidation and moisture-induced degradation; clean gently with a soft dry cloth; avoid water, acids, and harsh chemical cleaners
Rarity & Value
Common mineral worldwide; value depends on crystal perfection, matrix association, and specimen size, ranging from affordable to moderately priced for exceptional crystalline clusters
Special Characteristics
Striations are frequently visible on cubic faces; exhibits weak thermoelectric properties and can produce sparks when struck against hard surfaces like flint
Lore & History
Historically used by ancient civilizations for making fire and as an ornamental stone; in modern metaphysical practices, it is associated with abundance, vitality, and shielding negative energy (traditional beliefs, not scientific claims)