Iron pyrite
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/14730981@N08">James Petts</a> from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameIron pyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS₂
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavageindistinct
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity5
Colorsbrass-yellow, golden, silvery-gold
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide, notable occurrences include Spain, Peru, Italy, and various locations in the USA.
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfur production, collector specimens, jewelry (as faceted stones or cabochons), historical use in igniting firearms
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, gold
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a blocky, metallic specimen of pyrite, exhibiting a rough, crystalline texture and a characteristic silvery-gold to brass-yellow color. Its surfaces reflect light with a distinct metallic sheen.
Geological Context
Pyrite forms in a wide range of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks (especially shales and coals), and metamorphic rocks, often under reducing conditions.
