pyrite

Pyrite. Credit: Mineral Information Institute

Also known as iron pyrites (Fe₂S, iron (II) disulfide), a hard, brittle, brass-yellow sulfide mineral sometimes called fool's gold because of its resemblance to gold. It occurs worldwide and is a major ore of sulfur. It was formerly used to produce sulfuric acid.

Pyrite crystallizes in the isometric system, usually as cubes. It alters to goethite and limonite. Hardness: 6.5; relative density 5.0.

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