Pyrite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS₂
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavageindistinct
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden-yellow
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityHuaron Mines, Huaron Mining District, San Jose de Huayllay District, Cerro de Pasco, Daniel Alcides Carrión Province, Pasco Department, Peru
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfuric acid production, collector's specimens, jewelry (historical, 'fool's gold')
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen displays a cluster of intergrown, lustrous, pale brass-yellow pyrite crystals, exhibiting well-formed octahedral habits with some striations on their faces.
Geological Context
Pyrite is a common sulfide mineral found in a wide variety of geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks, often forming from sulfur-rich fluids.
