All About Pyrite – Uses, Properties, Color, and Worth
Pyrite, or iron pyrite, is a mineral comprised of iron sulfide. Pyrite is typically found around other sulfides or oxides in quartz, sedimentary rock, and metameric rock. Pyrite’s metallic luster and similarity to gold has given way to the common nickname “Fools Gold”.
A very interesting fact on pyrite is that it is capable of creating sparks when struck on steel. This has given way to its name which is derived from the Greek word “pyr” or “fire”. Though sparks can happen with pyrite, it was not commonly known in history for being used to start fires like flint was, and still is.
Of all the sulfide minerals, Pyrite is considered to be the most abundant. It can be found as cubes, crystal shapes, radiating rings, small weathered flakes and particles, and even found in Ammonoid fossils.
Pyrite can contain gold as a addition in its structure. If pyrite contains .25% to .37% or more of gold mixed in, it may be profitable to mine. Profitability in extracting the gold will depend on costs and the current value of gold.
Pyrite Uses
The benefits of iron pyrite are in its uses for the production of sulfuric dioxide, sulfuric acid, and iron sulfate. From the production of these three chemical compositions, iron pyrite uses are widely spread into many industries. Iron pyrite plays a heavy benefit in our every day lives and in the products we use.
The sulfuric dioxide is used for applications in the paper industry. Sulfuric acid and iron sulfate from pyrite can be included in fertilizer, oil refining, waste water processing, lead acid batteries, domestic cleaners and many other applications.
Collecting specimens of pyrite for show is very popular when it comes to the more structured forms of pyrite. The shine, structure, and metallic look will catch the eye of most, especially young children.
Some jewelry can be made from pyrite such as beaded bracelets or necklaces. Although, with the ability for pyrite to break down in the open elements along with exposure to moisture, you don’t see pyrite jewelry as often.
Some Common Pyrite Properties:
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| Scale Mohs Hardness: | Hardness of pyrite is 6 – 6.5 |
| Specific Gravity: | Specific gravity of pyrite is 4.9 – 5.1 |
| Streak: | Pyrite streak is Greenish black to brownish black |
| Fracture: | Pyrite fracture is Uneven, sometimes Conchoidal |
| Luster: | The luster of pyrite is Metallic |
| Crystal System: | The crystal system of pyrite is Cubic, Isometric |
| Chemical Formula: | Chemical formula of Pyrite is FeS2 |
| For further pyrite data and properties: | Mindat.org |
The Color of Pyrite
The color of pyrite is a brass-yellow color. This color gives some resemblance to the color of gold, hence the nickname “Fools Gold”. There can be some varying deepness of the brass-yellow color for pyrite. Some specimens can look more yellow than others.
Many specimens of pyrite can look more silver in color than yellow. Cubes, or even larger crystals, can have a more silver metallic look which will give that reflective mirror effect.
Pyrite can change color as the length of time increases in the sun, water, and open air. Sun bleaching, elements and pH in the water, and oxidation can not only cause some tarnishing of pyrite, but can also cause the loss of that brass-yellow look.
Iron pyrite and gold will often look very similar in color. The best way to tell the difference between iron pyrite and gold will be by color and shape. Pyrite does not have as strong and deep a yellow color as gold, and pyrite will form as crystals where gold does not.
Pyrite Worth
Pyrite worth is not very substantial due to its abundance around the world. The price per carat of pyrite typically averages below $1 per carat. Larger pyrite crystals are still relatively cheap and can be purchased as specimens under $30. Some increased price will come when selling pyrite as jewelry.
As mentioned above, some pyrite will contain gold within its structure. This may add some increased value depending on the amount of gold contained within the pyrite.
I suppose the value of pyrite might increase, for the individual, if someone actually thought it were gold they possessed. Then that person would only be playing into the “Fools Gold” nickname. If that person never attempts to sell their pyrite, content and happy in their possession, then a “Happy Fool” they may continue to be.
How is Iron Pyrite Formed?
Iron pyrite is formed as cubes and pyrite crystals. This forming it is due to how the iron and sulfide molecules join together. Pyrite will form with very rigid bonds, creating a system of cubic pyrite crystals that end up yielding those very beautiful crystals in cubic and crystal formation.
Other Details of Pyrite
For more information on if you can get pyrite wet, visit this article “Can You Get Your Pyrite Wet?“. This article will go into some detail on getting pyrite wet, how to clean pyrite, is pyrite dangerous, and more on the use of pyrite jewelry.
