What is Pyrite?

Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral, which means it is a compound of iron and sulfur. It is the most common sulfide mineral, and has a chemical formula of FeS²(one molecule of iron, two molecules of sulfide). It is classified in the isometric(or cubic) crystal system. This is because of pyrites cube-shaped crystals. It is further classified in the diploidal crystal class.

Pyrite is usually yellow-gray to gray, or yellow-brown. It has a streak of black with a little bit of a green tinge. It has a hardness of 6-6.5 of the mohs hardness scale(can be scratched by a steel nail or steel file). Pyrite’s luster is metallic(shiny). Because of its luster and color, pyrite looks very similar to gold and was actually mistaken for it at one point of time.

Where is Pyrite Found?

Pyrite forms in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks and forms in any temperature. It can be found all over the world. Although gold and pyrite are different, pyrite usually forms in association with gold and can be found where gold is found.

What is Pyrite Made of ?

Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral, which means it is a combination of iron and sulfur(a chemical element in the periodic table). Pyrite’s chemical formula is FeS². This means it consists of one molecule of iron and two molecules of sulfur.

Pyrite’s Nickname

Pyrite looks extremely like gold. With a very similar luster and brass-yellow color, prospectors often mistake it for gold. Because of this, pyrite was nicknamed “Fool’s Gold”.

Difference Between Pyrite and Gold

Pyrite and gold may look similar, but differ in many ways. Gold is extremely soft, and will bend if you apply pressure. Pyrite is brittle, and will break if you apply too much pressure. Another difference is that gold’s streak is yellow, while pyrite’s streak is black and green.

Uses of Pyrite

Pyrite used to be an important ore of sulfur and sulfuric acid, but now it is obtained through oil processing. Pyrite is often uses as an ore of gold, since pyrite and gold form together and in similar conditions. A few times, pyrite is uses as a gemstone. However, this quickly got out of fashion because pyrite loses its shiny luster easily.

Disadvantages of Pyrite

Pyrite oxidizes when in contact with air or moisture. Because of this, it cannot be uses in concrete or construction materials. The oxidation causes acids to form, and the result would damage the building materials. Buildings cannot be made over soil that contains pyrite. The oxidation of the pyrite can damage floors or pavements