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 Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavageindistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity5
Colorsbrass-yellow, golden, tarnished brown, reddish-brown (oxidation)
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread globally (e.g., Spain, Peru, USA)
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfur production, iron ore (minor), collector's specimens, jewelry (rarely)
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, gold
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a rough, irregular mass of metallic, brass-yellow to tarnished golden pyrite, showing significant reddish-brown oxidation on its surfaces.
Geological Context
Pyrite is a common sulfide mineral found in various geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks, often forming under reducing conditions.
