Pyrite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Islam90" title="User:Islam90">Islam90</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS2
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavageindistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread globally, notable localities include Navajún (Spain), Huanzala (Peru), and various locations in the USA.
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfur production, minor iron ore, collector specimens, jewelry (rarely)
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, gold
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays microscopic views of pyrite, appearing yellowish-orange under normal light and greenish-yellow with visible cracks under polarized light. Macroscopically, pyrite typically forms distinctive brass-yellow metallic crystals, often cubic or pyritohedral.
Geological Context
Pyrite is a very common sulfide mineral found in a wide variety of geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks (often as concretions), metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks. It frequently forms in oxygen-poor environments.
