Pyrite

Pyrite, also known as "Fool's Gold" because of its brassy-yellow metallic colour, is the most common sulphide mineral in rocks of all ages, being found in virtually every geological environment. It is easily distinguishable from gold as it has a lower specific gravity (specific gravity of gold is 15.9-19.3) and it is harder (hardness of gold is 2.5-3).

Pyrite is a common component of sedimentary rocks and metamorphosed sediments, is an accessory mineral in many igneous rocks, and forms large bodies in hydrothermal deposits.

Chemical composition - FeS 2
Hardness - 6-6.5
Specific gravity - 4.9-5.2
Transparency - Opaque
Colour - Brassy yellow
Streak - Greenish black
Lustre - Metallic
Cleavage/fracture - Non-existent / hackly, conchoidal
Crystal habit/mode of occurrence - Prismatic (cube, octahedron and pyritohedron [a dodecahedron with pentagonal faces]) / massive, granular.

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