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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Pyrite

Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral used in jewelry and ornament for its metallic luster and brassy color.

6.25 Mohs Brassy Yellow, Gold Sulfide (Pyrite)
Pyrite

Overview

Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral used in jewelry and ornament for its metallic luster and brassy color.

Did you know? Pyrite is historically nicknamed fools gold because of its metallic yellow appearance.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Pyrite

Scientific classification: Sulfide (Pyrite)

Hardness: 6.25 Mohs

Transparency: opaque

Lustre: metallic

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Primary colour: Brassy Yellow

Secondary colour: Gold

Colour family: Oranges & Yellows

Metallic luster, cubic habits, and hardness higher than chalcopyrite are key indicators.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.

Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: hard

Hardness value: 6.25 Mohs

Chemical composition: Iron sulfide (FeS2)

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Common locations: Peru, Spain, Italy, China, United States

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Metallic brassy-yellow iron sulfide, commonly opaque and reflective.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Pyrite

Mineral group: Sulfide group

Chemical formula: Iron sulfide (FeS2)

Mohs hardness: 6.25

Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)

Lustre: metallic

Transparency: opaque

Streak: Greenish black to brownish black

Cleavage: Indistinct

Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

Specific gravity: 4.9-5.2

Refractive index: Opaque; very high reflectivity

Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic

Colour range: Brassy yellow to pale gold

Common inclusions: Quartz matrix, fractures, oxidation films

Geological environment: Hydrothermal, sedimentary, and metamorphic sulfide systems

Principal mining regions: Peru, Spain, Italy, China, United States

Important commercial sources: Gem and decorative pyrite commonly enters trade from Peru and Spain among other sulfide districts

Historical significance: Historically significant as ore indicator and decorative material.

Common treatments: Polishing and protective coatings may be used.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Metallic composites and coated materials imitate pyrite.

Common look-alikes: Chalcopyrite, marcasite, metallic hematine

Jewellery uses: Used in beads, carvings, inlay, and faceted decorative stones.

Care recommendations: Can tarnish and is brittle; keep dry and avoid acids and strong impacts.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Pyrite.

Formation

Forms in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary environments, and metamorphic settings.

Origin

Gem and decorative pyrite commonly enters trade from Peru and Spain among other sulfide districts

Uses

Best for: Used in beads, carvings, inlay, and faceted decorative stones.

Ideal uses: Decorative jewelry and collector pieces with metallic contrast.

Pyrite FAQ

How can I identify Pyrite?

Compare hardness (6.25 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (metallic) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Pyrite appear in?

Metallic brassy-yellow iron sulfide, commonly opaque and reflective.

Where is Pyrite commonly used?

Decorative jewelry and collector pieces with metallic contrast.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.