Pyrite
| Colour | Gold, Yellow |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 |
| Lustre | Metallic, glistening |
| Streak | Greenish-black to brownish-black |
| Crystal system | Cubic |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Cleavage | Indistinct on {001}; partings on {011} and {111} |
| Fracture | Very uneven, sometimes conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | FeS 2 |
| Specific gravity | 4.95–5.10 |
What is Pyrite?
The mineral pyrite ( PY-ryte), or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2 (iron (II) disulfide). Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral.
How to identify Pyrite
- Lustre: Metallic, glistening.
- Hardness: Mohs 6–6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: Greenish-black to brownish-black.
- Habit: Cubic crystal system.
Pyrite in different forms
Stones often confused with Pyrite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Pyrite?
Pyrite is Mohs 6–6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Pyrite?
Pyrite is typically gold, yellow (Pale brass-yellow reflective; tarnishes darker and iridescent).