Pyrite Octahedron

History: Named in antiquity from the Greek "pyr" for "fire" due to sparks flying from it when hit with another mineral or metal.

Tests: Will slowly oxidize in a moist environment; gives off sparks when struck with another mineral or metal.

Uses: 'Fool's gold'.

Properties

Cleavage Indistinct
Color Pale yellow, brass-yellow
Crystal Systems Octahedral
Fracture Uneven
Hardness 6-6.5
Specific Gravity 5

Group

Sulfides

Composition

FeS2