|
Sponsors
Categories
Map Collections
|
Home »
Minerals »
Pyrite
Pyrite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
|
|
v
What is Pyrite? |
Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral and one of the most ubiquitous minerals of earth's crust. It is found in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and crystallizes at both high and low temperatures. Its yellow color and metallic luster occasionally fool inexperienced people who confuse it with gold - hence the name "fools gold". |
Uses |
The uses of pyrite are declining. The main uses today are the production of sulfur dioxide for the paper industry and sulfuric acid for the chemical industry. Other sources of these substances are replacing what was once produced from pyrite. It is rarely mined for its iron content because the associated sulfur contaminates the iron to render it brittle and useless for most applications. |
Color |
pale brass yellow |
Streak |
greenish black to brownish black |
Luster |
metallic |
Diaphaneity |
opaque |
Cleavage |
indistinct |
Hardness |
6 - 6.5 |
Specific Gravity |
4.9 - 5.2 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
color, hardness, fool's gold |
Crystal System |
isometric |
Chemical Classification |
sulfide |
Chemical Composition |
iron sulfide, FeS 2 |
|
|
 |
Pyrite with hematite from Rio Marina, Isle of Elba, Italy.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
|
 |
Pyrite with hematite from Rio Marina, Isle of Elba, Italy.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
|
 |
Pyrite, crystal in schist from Chester, Vermont.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
|
 |
Pyrite, crystal in schist from Chester, Vermont.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
|
 |
Pyrite from Rico, Colorado.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
|
More Information About Minerals!
Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
|
|
|
