Pyrite (Fool's Gold) Geology Kit Sample

Sample #25

Colour: Brass yellow and shiny

Hardness: 6

Streak: Greenish black to brownish black

Luster: Metallic and shiny

Magnetic: No

Conductive: Yes

Cleavage: Breaks with a conchoidal fracture

Relative Density: 5.0

Distinguishing Characteristics: Its brassy yellow colour, hardness (it is much harder than gold) brittleness (it will flake) and greenish black streak. Similar to Chalcopyrite but without the valuable copper.

Uses: It can be mined as a gold ore as gold and pyrite do form under the same conditions but this can be very costly. The high sulphur content can make it less desirable. Many people purchase it as an ornamental rock for rock collections.