Raw Pyrite Crystal
A large, unpolished pyrite crystal from Peru.
Pyrite can form in a variety of crystal shapes, but one of the most common is a cube. Cube-shaped crystals belong to the isometric crystal system and are among the simplest and most common forms.
Pyrite’s metallic lustre and brassy-yellow colour give it a similar appearance to gold. However, the two minerals are very different. Gold is soft and malleable; pyrite is hard and brittle.
Pyrite is a naturally occurring iron sulphide mineral, meaning it’s composed of iron and sulphur. Gold is a native element.