Pyrite
ExploreMineral
Pyrite
Pyrite is also known as 'fool's gold' because it looks like real gold! It shines brightly and is often found in shiny clusters.
Appearance
The Pyrite is a shiny, metallic mineral often appearing as brass-yellow or a pale gold color. It commonly forms perfect cube-shaped crystals, sometimes with tiny striations, and can be mistaken for real gold due to its bright, reflective surface.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient Incas polished large Pyrite pieces to use them as reflective mirrors!
Its name comes from the Greek word 'pyr,' meaning fire, because it can create sparks!
Sometimes Pyrite crystals grow into perfect spheres or even star-like shapes called 'sun dollars'!
Tiny Pyrite cubes can form inside fossils, preserving ancient life's shapes in sparkling stone!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Starter
Pyrite has a unique property to create sparks when struck, making it a natural fire starter!
Ability
Sulfur Powerhouse
Pyrite contains sulfur, which can be extracted and used to make important chemicals like sulfuric acid.
Ability
Ancient Mirror
Pyrite's natural reflectivity allowed ancient civilizations to polish it and use it as decorative mirrors.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- brass-yellow, golden-metallic
- Hardness
- 6.5
- Luster
- metallic
- Specific Gravity
- 5
- Crystal System
- isometric
Traits
Metallic
Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
Metallic Luster
Metallic luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling polished metal, often opaque.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Also known as
Fool's Gold
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Pyrite be?
brass-yellow, golden-metallic
How hard is Pyrite?
6.5
What kind of luster does Pyrite have?
metallic
What is Pyrite's specific gravity?
5
What crystal system does Pyrite belong to?
isometric
Snap Map
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