PYRITE

PROFILE OF PYRITE.

Group:Sulphides.
Crystal system:Cubic.
Habit:Cubes,pyrithedra,octahedra.
Chemical formula:FeS2.
Hardness:6 1/2.
Density:5
Clevage :None.
Fracture: Shell-like (conchoidal) to heaven.
Colour: Brassy yellow.
Streak: Black/greenish-black.
Lustre: Metallic.
Fluorescene: Absent.

The chemical name for pyrite is iron sulphite. It has some similirities to gold, in particular its brassy yellow colour and metallic sheen. Unlike gold, pyrite is hard and it makes a greenish-black streak when it is rubbed across a piece of unglazed white porcelain. In addition, it cannot be scratched with a penknife, while the softer gold is more easily marked.