Pyrite
Commonly called fool’s gold, pyrite is the Earth’s most abundant sulfide mineral. Recognized for its brass-yellow color which resembles that of gold, pyrite is a source of iron and sulfur and is used for the production of sulfuric acid. Some types of pyrite contain enough microscopic gold to warrant mining them as a gold ore.
Type
Mineral
Mineral Classification
Sulfide
Chemical Formula
FeS2
Streak
Black or Brown
Mohs Hardness
6-6.5
Crystal System
Isometric
Color
golden brass-yellow
Luster
Metallic
Fracture
Very uneven, conchoidal
Description
Commonly called fool’s gold, pyrite is the Earth’s most abundant sulfide mineral. Recognized for its brass-yellow color which resembles that of gold, pyrite is a source of iron and sulfur and is used for the production of sulfuric acid. Some types of pyrite contain enough microscopic gold to warrant mining them as a gold ore.
Uses
Pyrite is used to create iron sulfate that is used to make nutritional supplements, ink, lawn conditioner, water treatment and flocculation, moss killer, and many other chemical processes. Iron sulfate which comes from pyrite is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Some types of pyrite contain enough microscopic gold to warrant mining them as a gold ore.
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