Pyrite crystals have a bright metallic, brassy luster. These crystals are
modified cube and show striations characteristic of pyrite. The striations
are actually very small pyritohedron faces.
Pyrite "Ball" from China.
The ball is covered with crystal faces.
CHEMISTRY FeS2 Iron sulfide
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY Isometric (Cubic)
CRYSTAL GROWTH AND HABITS Pyrite commonly forms cubes as well as octahedrons and pyritohedrons. The faces of the pyrite cubes are often striated.
COLOR AND OTHER OPTICAL PROPERTIES Pale brass yellow to a brassy golden color, may be slightly iridescent when tarnished, opaque
HARDNESS 6 - 6.5 SPECIFIC GRAVITY 5.018 LUSTER Metallic
STREAK Black with a slight greenish or brownish color
BREAKABILITY Uneven to conchoidal fracture
OCCURRENCE Pyrite is a common mineral formed by moderate to high temperature hydrothermal fluids, common as a sulfide vein mineral. It may also be formed in magma bodies and is an accessory mineral in igneous rocks. Pyrite can also be found as scattered crystals in sedimentary rocks associated with coal and in concretions. It is also found in metamorphosed sediments and in chlorite schists.
ASSOCIATED MINERALS -