Pyrite
Image: “Jon Zander (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Digon3" title="User:Digon3">Digon3</a>)" (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS2
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black
Cleavagevery poor/indistinct
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWidespread; notable localities include Spain and Peru
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfur production, collector, jewelry (rarely)
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, gold
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a cluster of intergrown pyrite crystals, exhibiting a bright, metallic brass-yellow color and well-formed cubic to pyritohedral habits.
Geological Context
Pyrite forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks, typically under reducing conditions.
