Pyrite
Image: Photo by and (c)2015 Derek Ramsey (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Ram-Man" class="extiw" title="en:User:Ram-Man">Ram-Man</a>) (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS2
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish black to brownish black
Cleavageindistinct/poor on {001}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityArtegas, Spain
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfuric acid production, collector specimens, jewelry (historical)
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, gold
Raritycommon
Description
The image shows several well-formed, brass-yellow cubic crystals of pyrite embedded in a light brown, earthy matrix. The crystals exhibit a distinct metallic luster.
Geological Context
Pyrite forms in a wide range of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks, often in oxygen-poor conditions. It is a common accessory mineral in many ore deposits.
