Pyrite

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Other names: FoolÕs Gold
Mineral class: Sulfide
Composition: Iron sulfide, FeS₂
Hardness: 6 to 6.5
Luster: Metallic to dull
Color: Brownish Yellow to Gold
Streak: Black or greenish black
Crystal form: Isometric (cubic and as octahedrons) or granular masses
Environment: Plutonic, Volcanic, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks; also in hydrothermal veins.
Uses: Pyrite is used in making sulfuric acid; residual metal made into copper, nickel, etc.
Comments: Can scratch glass; is not scratched by knife. May tarnish. Insoluble in HCl, but dust dissolves in nitric acid. Sparks when hit with hammer and fuses easily. Brittle. Gold is softer, does not tarnish, and leaves a yellow streak. [pyrites.jpg]

Other names:	FoolÕs Gold
Mineral class:	Sulfide
Composition:	Iron sulfide, FeS₂
Hardness:	6 to 6.5
Luster:	Metallic to dull
Color:	Brownish Yellow to Gold
Streak:	Black or greenish black
Crystal form:	Isometric (cubic and as octahedrons) or granular masses
Environment:	Plutonic, Volcanic, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic rocks; also in hydrothermal veins.
Uses:	Pyrite is used in making sulfuric acid; residual metal made into copper, nickel, etc.
Comments:	Can scratch glass; is not scratched by knife. May tarnish. Insoluble in HCl, but dust dissolves in nitric acid. Sparks when hit with hammer and fuses easily. Brittle. Gold is softer, does not tarnish, and leaves a yellow streak.