Pyrite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Iifar" title="User:Iifar">Ivar Leidus</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NamePyrite
Chemical FormulaFeS₂
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgreenish-black to brownish-black
Cleavageindistinct/poor
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity5
Colorspale brass-yellow, golden-yellow
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityHuanzala mine, Huallanca, Bolognesi, Ancash, Peru
Mineral GroupSulfides
Usessulfuric acid production, collector's specimens, minor source of gold (if auriferous), jewelry (historically)
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a cluster of intergrown, well-formed cubic pyrite crystals, exhibiting a bright metallic luster and characteristic brass-yellow color. The crystal faces show fine striations.
Geological Context
Pyrite is a common sulfide mineral found in a wide variety of geological settings, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and igneous rocks, often forming under anoxic conditions.
