Natural Cube-Shaped Pyrite Crystals
Fine grade pyrite crystals. Isometric or cube shape crystals are one of the simplest and most common found in crystals. The brassy yellow colour that gives pyrite a similar appearance to gold is the reason why the mineral is also known as Fool's Gold. Some say the nickname came about because during the great American gold rush prospectors mistook small pieces of pyrite for gold. Having looked into this story we can find no factual evidence to support it.
The mineral pyrite is not as yellow as gold and when the two are placed side by side it's quite obvious which is which. Gold is also much softer than pyrite and malleable which means it can be hammered or pressed into shape without breaking. If you continuously pound a small piece of gold it will just become flatter and flatter. Do the same to pyrite and it will smash into many pieces. Despite being a much harder mineral it's also brittle.
Streak is the colour of a mineral in powdered form. The colour of the streak in gold is golden or yellow whereas in pyrite it's black often with a tinge of green.
Pyrite is classified as a mineral which means it's a naturally occurring solid with a crystalline structure or in other words, is made up of crystals.
These fine grade pyrite cubes are being sold individually. Weights and sizes are detailed in the dropdown list. The cube on the left in both photos is number 1.
Pyrite also known as iron pyrite is a popular mineral particularly with younger mineral collectors who are fascinated by its similarity to gold. These large crystals make great ornaments that always attract plenty of attention. It's important to remember however that pyrite is brittle so if dropped or even knocked it's likely to chip or shatter.
