Pyrite
Image: James Petts from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS2
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavageindistinct/poor
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread (e.g., Spain, Peru, USA)
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfur production, collector, ornamental
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
A blocky specimen of pyrite displaying a bright metallic luster and a pale brass-yellow color, with a visibly crystalline and somewhat granular surface.
Geological Context
Pyrite is a common sulfide mineral found in a wide range of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks (like shales and coal), and metamorphic rocks, often forming under reducing conditions.
