Pyrite is often mistaken for gold due to its brassy yellow colour and metallic lustre.
When the two minerals are placed side by side it's usually quite to tell one from the other.
The colour of pyrite is not as yellow as gold and it's also lighter in weight.
The name 'pyrite' comes from the Greek word 'pyr' which means 'fire'. This is because when struck, tiny pieces break away and react with oxygen to create burning hot sparks.
Pyrite is a iron sulphide mineral which means it's a chemical compound of iron and sulphide. It's relatively common so can be found in many geological environments.
It's also known as iron pyrite and fools gold.
Minerals including copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold, arsenic, iron and uranium can be found in deposits where pyrite is mined.
PREHNITE
