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Name Origin | The name derived from the Greek pyr, meaning fire, because it emits sparks when struck with steel |
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Chemical Formula | FeS2 |
Color | Brassy yellow |
Hardness | 6-6.5 on Mohs Scale |
Crystal System | Isometric. The crystals of pyrite form in cubic system |
Cleavage | Indistinct. Fracture conchoidal to uneven. Brittle |
Specific Gravity (SG) | 5.0-5.03 |
Pleochroism | None |
Luster | Metallic; opaque |
Uses |
Important ore of iron, it is used in the production of sulfuric acid |
Stone Size |
Cabochons of any size could be cut from the large crystals. |
Main Sources |
Australia, Canada, Chile, England, France, India, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Italy |
Note: Pyrite is among most common mineral in the Earth and it is formed by hydrotheraml processes in all three main rock types. Due to its color, pyrite is more commonly known as fool's gold. Pyrite is dimorphous with marcasite, meaning they are chemically identical but structurally different. Pyrite is usually used in inexpensive jewelry, faceted in rose-cut fashion with flat backs. The material is very brittle and heat sensitive therefore require some care in cutting. Cabochons are sometimes cut, but they have no special appeal.
References: Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones, Joel E. Arem, VNR publications, New York.
Photo Credit: www.shutterstone.com
Photo Credit: www.shutterstone.com