Pyrite is easily recognized by its gold color.

Chemical Formula: FeS2
Class: Iron sulfide
Hardness: 6-6.5
Coloration: pale brass yellow

How to identify it/Unique Characteristics or Properties: Perhaps best known as “fool’s gold” for its resemblance to real gold, pyrite is easily recognized by its gold color, and often forms nearly perfect cube shaped crystals, though its crystals can take other shapes as well. The crystals often have stripes along the sides. It can crack and lose some of its coloration over time if it loses its’ sulfur content.

Where to find it in…

The Northwest: Quartzville creek, Oregon
Other: Widely spread across the entire world.
Past Uses: As a firestarter, and as an ore for sulphur for making sulphuric acid. It was also used for mirrors by some native american groups in the southwest.
How it was Made: Pyrite forms in many different ways, but primarily in hydrothermal vents and in volcanic flows.
Interesting Facts: Pyrite gets its name from the Greek “pyr” meaning fire, and can make sparks when struck.