Pyrite

Pyrite has a brassy yellow color and is metallic in appearance. It is often confused with gold (hence its other name is fool’s gold). It occurs as cubes, or as ‘pyritohedra,’ which have twelve faces, each with five edges. Pyrite has been used in jewelry for thousands of years.

Some collections from the ancient civilizations of Greeks, Romans, and Incas have been found. Today, it is mainly used in costume jewelry. However, it is brittle and requires careful cutting.

The name ‘Pyrite’ comes from the Greek word ‘pyr’, meaning fire. When struck with a hammer, the gemstone causes sparks.

Occurrence

Pyrite is found worldwide in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Fine specimens comes from France, Italy, Peru, Mexico, and Spain.

Pyrite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 4.90
• Refractive Index: None
• Birefringence (DR): None
• Luster: Metallic
• Crystal Structure: Cubic
• Composition: Iron sulfide
• Hardness: 6

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