Name/Title
PyriteEntry/Object ID
2009.62.5Description
Chemical Composition: FeS2
Crystal System: Cubic or Isometric S
Description: Common Name: Pyrite
Chemistry: FeS2 Iron Sulfide
Group: Sulfides
Location: Huanzala Mine, Peru.
Description: Small looks like a square, Has a gold color
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is brassy yellow.
Luster is metallic.
Transparency: Crystals are opaque.
Crystal System is isometric; bar 3 2/m
Crystal Habits include the cube, octahedron and pyritohedron (a dodecahedron with pentagonal faces) and crystals with combinations of these forms. Good interpenetration twins called iron crosses are rare. Pyrite is commonly found in nodules. A flattened nodular variety called "Pyrite Suns" or "Pyrite Dollars" is popular in rock shops. Also massive or reniform and replaces other minerals and fossils forming pseudomorphs or copies.
Cleavage is very indistinct.
Fracture is conchoidal.
Hardness is 6 - 6.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 5.1+ (heavier than average for metallic minerals)
Streak is greenish black.
Other Characteristics: Brittle, striations on cubic faces caused by crossing of pyritohedron with cube. (note - striations on cube faces also demonstrate pyrite's lower symmetry). Pyrite (unlike gold) is not malleable.
Associated Minerals are quartz, calcite, gold, sphalerite, galena, fluorite and many other minerals. Pyrite is so common it may be quicker to name the unassociated minerals.
Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, streak, luster and brittleness
Fracture: conchoidal
Hardness: 6 Orthoclase
Luster: Metallic
Occurrence: Pyrite is a very common mineral, and occurs in numerous localities.
Specific Gravity: 5.1
Streak: greenish black
Texture: Crystaline
Variety: Pyrite is the classic "Fool's Gold". There are other shiny brassy yellow minerals, but pyrite is by far the most common and the most often mistaken for gold. Whether it is the golden look or something else, pyrite is a favorite among rock collectors. It can have a beautiful luster and interesting crystals. It is so common in the earth's crust that it is found in almost every possible environment, hence it has a vast number of forms and varieties.Collection
RAGM Mineral CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2009.62Source or Donor
Museum Collection of MineralsAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Width
6-1/4 inDepth
3 inLength
6-1/2 inWeight
10.67 ozDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Location
Display Case
FS-3-BRoom
Frieda Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
ExhibitMoved By
Jillian Mather KettleyDate
January 29, 2025Notes
Location/ inventory