Pyrite is sometimes mistaken for gold due to its colour and metallic lustre.
When the two minerals are side by side, it's usually quite easy to distinguish one from the other.
Pyrite is not as yellow as gold and is also lighter in weight.
The name 'pyrite' comes from the Greek 'pyr', which means 'fire'. 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.
It's 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.