Pyrite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">DidierDescouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS₂
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavagepoor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityAmpliación a Victoria mina, Navajún, La Rioja, Spain
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfur production, sulfuric acid production, collector's mineral, jewelry (rarely)
Associated Mineralsquartz, gold, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a perfectly formed, large cubic crystal of pyrite, exhibiting a distinct metallic luster and a pale brass-yellow color. The crystal faces are smooth and reflective, characteristic of high-quality specimens from Navajún.
Geological Context
Pyrite forms in a wide range of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks. It often crystallizes from sulfur-rich fluids and can be found in association with other sulfide minerals.
