# 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.

- **Category:** [Mineral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mineral)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Also known as:** Iron Pyrite, Magnetic Pyrite

![Pyrrhotite](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mus%C3%A9um_de_Nantes_-_023_-_Pyrrhotite_%28Russie%29.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Koreller, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mus%C3%A9um_de_Nantes_-_023_-_Pyrrhotite_%28Russie%29.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia

## 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

- **Magnetic Compass:** Pyrrhotite has strong magnetism, meaning it can attract small metal objects or even affect a compass.
- **Treasure Finder:** Pyrrhotite often forms near valuable minerals like gold or nickel, helping prospectors find riches!
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/metallic): Metallic refers to substances, materials, or objects possessing properties characteristic of metals, such as luster and conductivity.
- [Magnetic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/magnetic): Magnetic geological traits refer to minerals or rocks that exhibit natural magnetism, attracting or repelling other magnetic substances.
- [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.
- [Fossil](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fossil): A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of an ancient organism embedded in rock or other geological deposits.

## Collections

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

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Pyrrhotite is a mineral and safe to handle, but avoid ingesting it.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Pyrrhotite?

Compare crystal habit, luster, transparency, cleavage and surface texture. Minerals with different compositions can share almost the same color. Mineral Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## 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: [Pyrrhotite: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pyrrhotite)