Extra Large Pyrite Mineral
Pyrite is also known as fool's gold. Many claim this name came about because this brassy yellow coloured mineral was mistaken for gold during the great American gold rush.
Use of the name actually goes back much further. We found an amazing article which talks in depth about the term fool's gold. The story begins on page 6 which you can jump to from the contents page. It is quite slow to download but worth the wait especially if you enjoy history. You can find it here.
Pyrite crystallises in several crystal habits. One of the most common is isometric or cube-shaped crystals.
Although quite hard pyrite is brittle so must be handled carefully. The crystals in this hefty piece reflect light from almost every angle.
