pyrite

views updated

pyrite (fool's gold) Widespread sulphide mineral, iron sulphide (FeS2), occurring in all types of rocks and veins. It is a brass-yellow colour. It crystallizes as cubes and octahedra, and also as granules and globular masses. It is opaque, metallic, and brittle. Hardness 6.5; r.d. 5.0.

More From encyclopedia.com