Pyrite

Pyrite is Fe₂S, an important example of a sulfide mineral. Often known as "fool's gold", it has a shiny metallic gold color. All the samples shown here are on display in the Smithsonican Museum of Natural History. The sample at far left (about 5cm wide) is from Potosi', Brazil. The sample near left is about 15-20cm high.

Examples of the different formations of pyrite. The sample at right in the photo is about 15cm wide.

Pyrite is a signifant mineral source for sulfur. It is not used as an ore for iron because of the difficulty of separating the iron from the sulfur.

Pyrite forming with calcite. The sample is about 10 cm wide. This sample is from Santa Eulala, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Pyrite forming with quartz. The sample is about 8 cm wide.