: Derived from the Greek word pyr ("fire"), pyrite produces sparks when struck against steel, a property used by ancient civilizations for fire-starting. Geological Formation and Occurrences
: Pyrite is much harder than gold, rating 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale . It is brittle and will shatter if struck, whereas gold is soft and will indent. Fools Gold
: It commonly forms perfect cubic, octahedral, or pyritohedral (12-faced) crystals. : Derived from the Greek word pyr ("fire"),
Pyrite forms in a wide variety of environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The Many Faces of Fool's Gold | American Scientist : It commonly forms perfect cubic, octahedral, or
Pyrite is an iron disulfide distinguished by its pale, brassy-yellow color and metallic luster. Despite its appearance, it is easily distinguished from real gold through several physical tests:
Beyond the Deceptive Luster: A Brief Study of "Fool's Gold" (Pyrite) "Fool's Gold," scientifically known as ( FeS2cap F e cap S sub 2
