Iron Pyrite

(3 reviews)

Read Reviews | Write a Review

Pyrite Samples (1 lb.)
Item #: PYR-130
$8.95

Learn about Extra Credit Points®

Pyrite Cube
Item #: PYR-100
$9.95

20 points (Points accrued: 0)

ca 2.5 cm cube, 90 g
- +

Learn about Extra Credit Points®

Iron Pyrite specimens of FeS₂, formed over 100 million years ago by sulfur reacting with iron.

Description

Iron Pyrite - or Iron Sulfide (FeS₂) is fairly heavy and looks similar, in many ways, to gold, gaining it the popular name Fool's Gold. Prized for centuries by Alchemists and Native Americans for perceived mystical powers, it has also been used in jewelry by the ancient Egyptians, in early firearms, and, more recently, studied for use in photovoltaic cell for solar energy production. 1 lb. of pyrite is approximately 40 pieces. Pyrite cubes sold individually.

Common tests to distinguish iron pyrite from gold:
• Gold is very soft and will bend or break when stabbed with a straight pin; the much harder pyrite will not.
• Gold is much heavier than pyrite.
• Gold will flatten when hit with a hammer, while pyrite will shatter.
• Gold has a yellow streak while pyrite has a greenish black streak
• Gold has a golden to yellow color and pyrite has a brassy color.

Write a Review

Reviews

3 reviews

Pyrite in a matrix

Feb 3, 2015

I am not sure whether this product is natural. But it presents very well. Mine arrived damaged but was replaced immediately Kudos to customer service.

Owner Response: Though it seems too perfect to actually come from nature, but we assure you, it is all natural!

Was this review helpful?

perfect cubes

Feb 3, 2015

These are near perfect pyrite cubes. Some imperfections show the type of ore it is from.

Was this review helpful?

Nice sample!

Oct 25, 2012

Inexpensive little sample to demonstrate crystal structure.

Nancy Krajcar

Was this review helpful?

Q & A