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Pyrite - Mineral Properties and Uses

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 Pictures

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Pyrite with hematite from Rio Marina, Isle of Elba, Italy.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

pyrite
Pyrite with hematite from Rio Marina, Isle of Elba, Italy.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

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Pyrite, crystal in schist from Chester, Vermont.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.

pyrite
Pyrite, crystal in schist from Chester, Vermont.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.

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Pyrite from Rico, Colorado.
Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.




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