Pyrite is sometimes mistaken for gold due to its brassy-yellow colour and metallic lustre.
When pyrite and gold are placed side by side, it's usually quite easy to distinguish one from the other.
Pyrite is not as yellow and or as heavy as gold.
The name comes from the Greek word 'pyr', meaning 'fire' because when struck, tiny pieces break away and react with oxygen, creating burning hot sparks.
Pyrite is an iron sulphide mineral, which means
it's a chemical compound of iron and sulphur. It's relatively common and can be found in many geological environments.
Pyrite is also known as iron pyrite and Fool's Gold.
Minerals including copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold, arsenic, iron and uranium often occur close to where pyrite is found.
MORE ABOUT PYRITE
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