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 on {001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread globally (e.g., Navajún, Spain; various localities in Peru, USA)
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessource of sulfur for sulfuric acid, minor iron ore, collector's specimens, jewelry (inexpensive)
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, gold
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a rough, irregular specimen of pyrite, characterized by its pale brass-yellow metallic luster. Some areas show reddish-brown oxidation or matrix material, highlighting its common association with other minerals or rock.
Geological Context
Pyrite is a common sulfide mineral found in a wide range of geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks. It often forms under reducing conditions and can be associated with other sulfide minerals.
