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.