# 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.

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Also known as:** Fool's Gold

![Pyrite](https://media.snappit.app/site-media-v1/1417f3d7f0acddf5f683efd4397f8c3c0f6d3d60150f562fa2a85f2cc223fc67/image-560x560/w-560.webp)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## 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

- **Fire Starter:** Pyrite has a unique property to create sparks when struck, making it a natural fire starter!
- **Sulfur Powerhouse:** Pyrite contains sulfur, which can be extracted and used to make important chemicals like sulfuric acid.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic): Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
- [Metallic Luster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic-luster): Metallic luster describes a mineral's appearance when reflecting light, resembling polished metal, often opaque.
- [Crystalline](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crystalline): Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.

## Collections

- [Minerals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals)
- [Minerals & Rocks](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/minerals-and-rocks)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Handle gently and avoid sharp edges. Ask an adult before picking anything up.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Pyrite?

Compare crystal faces, growth shape, clarity and how the crystals cluster. A polished or tumbled stone has lost much of the natural shape that makes identification easier. Crystal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Mineral

- [Quartz Crystal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/quartz-crystal)
- [Amethyst](https://www.snappit.app/explore/amethyst)
- [Rose Quartz](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-quartz)
- [Citrine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/citrine)

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Source: [Pyrite: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pyrite)