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Pyrrhotite
ExploreMineral
Pyrrhotite
Pyrrhotite is a shiny mineral that looks like a metallic bronze or brass. It is often found in rocks and can be magnetic, attracting small metal objects like a magnet.
Appearance
The Pyrrhotite has a distinct bronze-yellow to copper-red color with a bright metallic luster. It can appear tarnished, showing iridescent blues or purples. Unlike brighter pyrite, Pyrrhotite often has a duller, more reddish hue and may form irregular masses.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name "pyrrhotite" means "fire stone" in Greek, perhaps for its fiery color.
Pyrrhotite can sometimes be mistaken for gold, though it's much softer and less shiny.
Pyrrhotite tarnishes quickly, turning from bronze to a dull gray-brown in air.
Strike Pyrrhotite and it might spark, thanks to its unique composition!
Special abilities
Ability
Magnetic Compass
Pyrrhotite has strong magnetism, meaning it can attract small metal objects or even affect a compass.
Ability
Treasure Finder
Pyrrhotite often forms near valuable minerals like gold or nickel, helping prospectors find riches!
Ability
Sulfur Power
This mineral contains sulfur, which can be extracted for industrial uses like making sulfuric acid.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- Bronze-yellow, Bronze-brown, Copper-red
- Hardness
- 3.5
- Luster
- Metallic
- Specific Gravity
- 4.6
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Traits
Metallic
Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
Magnetic
Magnetic geological traits refer to minerals or rocks that exhibit natural magnetism, attracting or repelling other magnetic substances.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Fossil
A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.
Also known as
Iron PyriteMagnetic Pyrite
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Pyrrhotite is a mineral and safe to handle, but avoid ingesting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Pyrrhotite be?
Bronze-yellow, Bronze-brown, Copper-red
How hard is Pyrrhotite?
3.5
What kind of luster does Pyrrhotite have?
Metallic
What is Pyrrhotite's specific gravity?
4.6
What crystal system does Pyrrhotite belong to?
Monoclinic
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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