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Pyrite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page kindly sponsored by Frank Ruehlicke
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About PyriteHide

Formula:
FeS2
As a Commodity:
Colour:
Pale brass-yellow
Lustre:
Metallic
Hardness:
6 - 6½
Specific Gravity:
4.8 - 5
Crystal System:
Isometric
Member of:
Name:
Named in antiquity from the Greek "pyr" for "fire", because sparks flew from it when struck with another mineral or metal. Known to Dioscorides (~50 CE) under the name "περι υληζ ιατρικηζ" which included both pyrite and chalcopyrite.
Pyrite Group.

The isometric (cubic) polymorph of orthorhombic marcasite. However, some pyrites may be trigonal (pseudo-cubic; Moëlo, 2023).

Compare UM1997-43-S:Fe.

Pyrite is a very common mineral (also one of the most common natural sulfides, and the most common disulfide), found in a wide variety of geological formations from sedimentary deposits to hydrothermal veins and as a constituent of metamorphic rocks. The brassy-yellow metallic colour of pyrite has in many cases lead to people mistaking it for Gold, hence the common nickname 'Fool's gold'. Pyrite is quite easy to distinguish from gold: pyrite is much lighter, but harder than gold and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or pocket knife.

Pyrite is commonly found to contain minor nickel, and forms a series with Vaesite, NiS2; Bravoite is a Ni-bearing variety of pyrite.
It usually contains minor cobalt too and forms a series with Cattierite, CoS2. Many pyrites contain minor As, see Arsenic-bearing Pyrite. Pb-bearing pyrite has been described by Cabral et al. (2011). It can also contain traces of other metals, including gold. Most of the foreign metal contents in pyrite can be traced back to metal nanoparticles (Deditius et al., 2011).

08432040017056987961496.jpg
Pyrite cubes in limestone, Navajún, Spain
00132930014946261915267.jpg
Pyrite dodecahedron, also known as "pyritohedron", Elba, Italy
09764660014946254446456.jpg
Pyrite octahedra, Huánuco, Peru
02924590017055886621635.jpg
Pyrite "Iron Cross" twin, Lemgo, Germany
07370030017056987468115.jpg
Pyrite cubes in limestone, Navajún, Spain
00132930014946261915267.jpg
Pyrite dodecahedron, also known as "pyritohedron", Elba, Italy
09764660014946254446456.jpg
Pyrite octahedra, Huánuco, Peru
02924590017055886621635.jpg
Pyrite "Iron Cross" twin, Lemgo, Germany
09519090017056997451692.jpg
Pyrite cubes in limestone, Navajún, Spain
00924830014946261921403.jpg
Pyrite dodecahedron, also known as "pyritohedron", Elba, Italy
09764660014946254446456.jpg
Pyrite octahedra, Huánuco, Peru
04514350017055886701969.jpg
Pyrite "Iron Cross" twin, Lemgo, Germany
02368710014946261929465.jpg
Pyrite dollar, Sparta, Illinois
03563790014946261929539.jpg
Pyritized ammonite, Aveyron, France
07466640014946261923691.jpg
Pyrite concretion, Pilbara, Australia
03505380014946261937818.jpg
Elongated pyrite crystals, Lucca, Italy
00322540014957431867614.jpg
Pyrite dollar, Sparta, Illinois
03032170014949659732254.jpg
Pyritized ammonite, Aveyron, France
07526340014952298473697.jpg
Pyrite concretion, Pilbara, Australia
04128970014949659731027.jpg
Elongated pyrite crystals, Lucca, Italy
05235710014946261938356.jpg
Pyrite dollar, Sparta, Illinois
05678130014946261936201.jpg
Pyritized ammonite, Aveyron, France
00421790014946261945408.jpg
Pyrite concretion, Pilbara, Australia
03505380014946261937818.jpg
Elongated pyrite crystals, Lucca, Italy


05586830014946261949330.jpg
Decomposed pyrite concretion
05586830014946261949330.jpg
Decomposed pyrite concretion
05586830014946261949330.jpg
Decomposed pyrite concretion

Pyrite will slowly oxidize, with the help of various bacteria, in a moist environment, and release sulfuric acid that is formed during the process. Well-crystallized specimens are generally relatively stable, while pyrite formed as sedimentary concretions has a tendency to decompose quickly.

According to Schmøkel et al. (2014), effective charges on sulfur and iron are ca. -1/3 and ca. +2/3, respectively. This is in opposition to the formal -1 and +2 charges as would be suggested by purely ionic bonding.




Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3314
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3314:1
GUID
(UUID V4):
949ade6b-bc43-44c1-8073-49cb574bf3ef

IMA Classification of PyriteHide

Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)

Classification of PyriteHide

2.EB.05a

2 : SULFIDES and SULFOSALTS (sulfides, selenides, tellurides; arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides; sulfarsenites, sulfantimonites, sulfbismuthites, etc.)
E : Metal Sulfides, M: S <= 1:2
B : M:S = 1:2, with Fe, Co, Ni, PGE, etc.
Dana 7th ed.:
2.12.1.1
2.12.1.1

2 : SULFIDES
12 : AmBnXp, with (m+n):p = 1:2
3.9.3

3 : Sulphides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides and Bismuthides (except the arsenides, antimonides and bismuthides of Cu, Ag and Au, which are included in Section 1)
9 : Sulphides etc. of Fe

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.

SymbolSourceReference
PyIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43
PyKretz (1983)Kretz, R. (1983) Symbols of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 68, 277–279.
PySiivolam & Schmid (2007)Siivolam, J. and Schmid, R. (2007) Recommendations by the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Metamorphic Rocks: List of mineral abbreviations. Web-version 01.02.07. IUGS Commission on the Systematics in Petrology. download
PyWhitney & Evans (2010)Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371
PyThe Canadian Mineralogist (2019)The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download
PyWarr (2020)Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30

Pronunciation of PyriteHide

Pronunciation:
PlayRecorded byCountry
Jolyon RalphUnited Kingdom

Physical Properties of PyriteHide

Metallic
Transparency:
Opaque
Colour:
Pale brass-yellow
Streak:
Greenish-black
Hardness:
6 - 6½ on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=1505 - 1520 kg/mm2 - Vickers
Hardness Data:
Measured
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Poor/Indistinct
Indistinct on {001}.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density:
4.8 - 5 g/cm3 (Measured)    5.01 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of PyriteHide

Type:
Isotropic
Anisotropism:
Rarely anisotropic, due to polishing effects.
Reflectivity:
WavelengthR
400nm38.2%
440nm42.8%
480nm48.5%
520nm52.6%
560nm54.6%
600nm55.2%
640nm56.0%
680nm56.8%
700nm57.0%

Reflectance graph
Graph shows reflectance levels at different wavelengths (in nm). Top of box is 100%. Peak reflectance is 57.0%.
Colour in reflected light:
Creamy white
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic

Chemistry of PyriteHide

Mindat Formula:
FeS2
Common Impurities:
Ni,Co,As,Cu,Zn,Ag,Au,Tl,Se,V

Age distributionHide

Recorded ages:
Mesoarchean to Quaternary : 2858 Ma to 0 Ma - based on 17 recorded ages.

Crystallography of PyriteHide

Crystal System:
Isometric
Class (H-M):
m3 (2/m 3) - Diploidal
Space Group:
Pa3
Setting:
Pa3
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.417 Å
Unit Cell V:
158.96 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Typically cubic or pyritohedral (pentagonal dodecahedral), sometimes octahedral and combinations are common, resulting in striated faces. Less frequently octahedral, most commonly massive, granular, and sometimes radiating, reniform, discoidal or globular.
Twinning:
On [110], interpenetrating ('Iron Cross Law'). Twin axis [001] and twin plane {011}, penetration and contact twins. Twinning on (111) was described by Nicol (1904), Goldschmidt and Nicol (1904) and Gaubert (1928), all of whom considered it rare.

Crystallographic forms of PyriteHide

Crystal Atlas:
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Pyrite no.1 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.2 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.3 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.7 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.8 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.14 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.59 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.86 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.92 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.251 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Pyrite no.565 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
3d models and HTML5 code kindly provided by www.smorf.nl.

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Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0000006PyriteRamsdell L S (1925) The crystal structures of some metallic sulfides American Mineralogist 10 281-3041925natural, unknown0293
0000605PyriteBayliss P (1977) Crystal structure refinement of a weakly anisotropic pyrite cubic model American Mineralogist 62 1168-117219770293
0000606PyriteBayliss P (1977) Crystal structure refinement of a weakly anisotropic pyrite American Mineralogist 62 1168-117219770293
0007752PyriteSchmid-Beurmann P, Lottermoser W (1993) 57Fe-Moessbauer spectra, electronic and crystal structure of members of the CuS2-FeS2 solid solution series Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 19 571-57719930293
0007753PyriteSchmid-Beurmann P, Lottermoser W (1993) 57Fe-Moessbauer spectra, electronic and crystal structure of members of the CuS2-FeS2 solid solution series Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 19 571-57719930293
0012728PyriteRieder M, Crelling J C, Sustai O, Drabek M, Weiss Z, Klementova M (2007) Arsenic in iron disulfides in a brown coal from the North Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic International Journal of Coal Geology 71 115-1212007synthetic0293
0012729PyriteRieder M, Crelling J C, Sustai O, Drabek M, Weiss Z, Klementova M (2007) Arsenic in iron disulfides in a brown coal from the North Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic International Journal of Coal Geology 71 115-1212007synthetic0293
0012730PyriteRieder M, Crelling J C, Sustai O, Drabek M, Weiss Z, Klementova M (2007) Arsenic in iron disulfides in a brown coal from the North Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic International Journal of Coal Geology 71 115-1212007Dul CSA mine, North Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic0293
0017728PyriteOftedal I (1928) Uber die Kristallstrukturen der verbindungen RuS2, OsS2, MnTe2 und AuSb2. Mit einem Anhang uber die Gitterkonstant von Pyrit Zeitschrift fur Physikalische Chemie 135 291-29919280293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

Epitaxial Relationships of PyriteHide

Epitaxial Minerals:
Epitaxy Comments:
Twinned prismatic marcasite crystals attached along pyrite octahedron edges from Rensselaer, Indiana (Brock and Slater, 1978). See also Rakovan et al. (1995).

Pyrite on chalcopyrite from Ege-Khay, Yakutia, Russia (Novgorodova 1977).

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Image Loading

Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.128 Å(35)
2.7088 Å(85)
2.4281 Å(65)
2.2118 Å(50)
1.9155 Å(40)
1.6332 Å(100)
1.5640 Å(14)
1.5025 Å(20)
1.4479 Å(25)
1.2427 Å(12)
1.2113 Å(14)
1.1823 Å(8)
1.1548 Å(6)
1.1057 Å(6)
1.0427 Å(25)
1.0060 Å(8)
0.9892 Å(6)
0.9577 Å(12)
0.9030 Å(16)
0.8788 Å(8)
0.8565 Å(8)
0.8261 Å(4)
0.8166 Å(4)
0.7981 Å(6)
Comments:
ICDD 6-710

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 2: Planetesimal differentiation and alteration4.566-4.550
6 : Secondary asteroid phases4.566-4.560
Stage 3a: Earth’s earliest Hadean crust>4.50
11 : Volcanic fumarole minerals; reduced phases (see also #45)
Stage 3b: Earth’s earliest hydrosphere>4.45
12 : Hadean hydrothermal subsurface sulfide deposits (see also #33)
15 : Black/white smoker minerals and other seafloor hydrothermal minerals
17 : Marine authigenic Hadean minerals (see also #24)
Stage 4a: Earth’s earliest continental crust>4.4-3.0
19 : Granitic intrusive rocks
Near-surface Processes
23 : Subaerial aqueous alteration by non-redox-sensitive fluids (see also #47)
24 : Authigenic minerals in terrestrial sediments (see also #17)
25 : Evaporites (prebiotic)
26 : Hadean detrital minerals
High-𝑇 alteration and/or metamorphism
33 : Minerals deposited by hydrothermal metal-rich fluids (see also [#12])
Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks>3.0
36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks
37 : Layered igneous intrusions and related PGE minerals
Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics<3.5-2.5
38 : Ophiolites
40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies)
Stage 6: Anoxic biosphere<4.0
44 : Anoxic microbially mediated minerals (see also #44)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals]
Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere<0.6
49 : Oxic cellular biomineralization (see also #44)<0.54
50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals<0.36
53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins<0.4
Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals<10 Ka
54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56)
55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals
Geological Setting:
Common in many rock types, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.

Synonyms of PyriteHide

Other Language Names for PyriteHide

Basque:Pirita
Bosnian:Pirit
Catalan:Pirita
Czech:Pyrit
Danish:Pyrit
Dutch:Pyriet
Esperanto:Pirito
Estonian:Püriit
Finnish:Rikkikiisu
French:Pyrite
Galician:Pirita
Hebrew:פיריט
Hungarian:Pirit
Japanese:黄鉄鉱
Lithuanian:Piritas
Norwegian (Nynorsk):Svovelkis
Polish:Piryt
Portuguese:Pirite
Romanian:Pirită
Russian:Пирит
Sicilian:Petra fucali
Simplified Chinese:黄铁矿
Slovak:Pyrit
Slovenian:Pirit
Traditional Chinese:黃鐵礦
Turkish:Pirit
Ukrainian:Пірит

Varieties of PyriteHide

Arsenic-bearing PyriteAn arsenic-bearing variety of pyrite that may contain up to about 10 at.% of As (Abraitis et al., 2004). Not uncommon; often zoned.
Arsenic may be present in different valence states.
May contain submicroscopic gold.
BravoiteA nickel-bearing of pyrite.
Compare the nickel analogue of pyrite, vaesite (NiS2), which forms a complete solid solution with pyrite.

Originally reported from Ragra Mine (Minasragra), Junín, Cerro de Pasco, Alcides Carrión Province, Pasco Department,...
Cobalt-bearing PyriteA cobalt-bearing variety of pyrite.
Cobalt-nickel-pyrite (of Vernadsky)A Ni- and Co-bearing pyrite.
Copper-bearing PyriteA copper-bearing variety of pyrite.
The substitution of Cu for Fe results in changes in unit-cell parameter and Raman spectra (Pačevski et al., 2008).
Feather pyriteFeather-shaped pseudomorphs of fine-grained pyrite after thin tabular pyrrhotite.
Not uncommon in some sulphide ore deposits.
GelpyritAn arsenic-bearing gel form of iron disulphide.
Gold-bearing PyriteA gold-bearing variety of pyrite. Possibly a mixture of pyrite with submicroscopic native gold inclusions.
HengleiniteA cobalt-bearing bravoite.
First described from Müsen, Siegerland, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Hepatic pyriteLiver-coloured pyrite or marcasite.
NadelpyritGerman name for acicular pyrite (literally 'needle pyrite').
Nickel-bearing PyriteA nickel-bearing variety of pyrite.
Silver-bearing PyriteA silver-bearing pyrite, perhaps a mixture.
TelaspyrineOnce considered a tellurium-bearing variety of pyrite, but probably a mixture.
Thallium- and Arsenic-bearing PyriteA variety of pyrite rich in As and Tl.

Relationship of Pyrite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Other Members of this group:
AurostibiteAuSb2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
CattieriteCoS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
DzharkeniteFeSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
ErlichmaniteOsS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
FukuchiliteCu3FeS8Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
GaotaiiteIr3Te8Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
GeversitePtSb2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
HaueriteMnS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
InsizwaitePt(Bi,Sb)2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
Krut'aiteCuSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
LauriteRuS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
Penroseite(Ni,Co,Cu)Se2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
SperrylitePtAs2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
TrogtaliteCoSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
VaesiteNiS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
Villamanínite(Cu,Ni,Co,Fe)S2Tric.
Forms a series with:

Common AssociatesHide

Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
9,959 photos of Pyrite associated with QuartzSiO2
7,103 photos of Pyrite associated with CalciteCaCO3
4,099 photos of Pyrite associated with SphaleriteZnS
2,620 photos of Pyrite associated with GalenaPbS
2,501 photos of Pyrite associated with FluoriteCaF2
2,351 photos of Pyrite associated with DolomiteCaMg(CO3)2
2,099 photos of Pyrite associated with SideriteFeCO3
2,057 photos of Pyrite associated with ChalcopyriteCuFeS2
1,140 photos of Pyrite associated with BaryteBaSO4
1,015 photos of Pyrite associated with RhodochrositeMnCO3

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

2.EB.Iridarsenite(Ir,Ru)As2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.SelenolauriteRuSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.AndrieslombaarditeRhSbSIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.Kanatzidisite(SbBiS3)2Te2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
2.EB.05aAurostibiteAuSb2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05bBambollaiteCu(Se,Te)2Tet.
2.EB.05aCattieriteCoS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aErlichmaniteOsS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aFukuchiliteCu3FeS8Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aGeversitePtSb2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aHaueriteMnS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aInsizwaitePt(Bi,Sb)2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aKrut'aiteCuSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aLauriteRuS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aPenroseite(Ni,Co,Cu)Se2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aSperrylitePtAs2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aTrogtaliteCoSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aVaesiteNiS2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aVillamanínite(Cu,Ni,Co,Fe)S2Tric.
2.EB.05aDzharkeniteFeSe2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05aGaotaiiteIr3Te8Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.05a vCayeuxite
2.EB.10bAlloclasiteCo1-xFexAsSMon. 2 : P21
2.EB.10dCostibiteCoSbSOrth. mm2 : Pmn21
2.EB.10aFerroseliteFeSe2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10aFrohbergiteFeTe2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10cGlaucodot(Co0.50Fe0.50)AsSOrth. mm2 : Pmn21
2.EB.10aKulleruditeNiSe2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10aMarcasiteFeS2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10aMattagamiteCoTe2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.10eParacostibiteCoSbSOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
2.EB.10ePararammelsbergiteNiAs2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pbca
2.EB.10fOeniteCoSbAsOrth.
2.EB.10aPetříčekiteCuSe2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aAnduoite(Ru,Os)As2Orth.
2.EB.15aClinosaffloriteCoAs2Mon. 2/m : P21/m
2.EB.15aLöllingiteFeAs2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aNisbiteNiSb2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aOmeiite(Os,Ru)As2Orth.
2.EB.15cPaxiteCuAs2Mon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.15aRammelsbergiteNiAs2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15aSafflorite(Co,Ni,Fe)As2Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
2.EB.15bSeinäjokite(Fe,Ni)(Sb,As)2Orth.
2.EB.20ArsenopyriteFeAsSMon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.20GudmunditeFeSbSMon. 2/m : P21/b
2.EB.20Osarsite(Os,Ru)AsSMon.
2.EB.20Ruarsite(Ru,Os)AsSMon.
2.EB.25 vaAntimony-bearing GersdorffiteNi(As,Sb)S
2.EB.25CobaltiteCoAsSOrth. mm2 : Pca21
2.EB.25GersdorffiteNiAsSIso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25Hollingworthite(Rh,Pt,Pd)AsSIso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25Irarsite(Ir,Ru,Rh,Pt)AsSIso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25JolliffeiteNiAsSeIso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25KrutoviteNiAs2Iso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.25MaslovitePtBiTeIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.25MicheneritePdBiTeIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.25PadmaitePdBiSeIso. 4 3 2
2.EB.25PlatarsitePt(As,S)2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25TestibiopalladitePdSbTeIso.
2.EB.25TolovkiteIrSbSIso.
2.EB.25UllmanniteNiSbSIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.25WillyamiteCoSbS
2.EB.25ChangchengiteIrBiSIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.25MayingiteIrBiTeIso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25KalungaitePdAsSeIso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25MilotaitePdSbSeIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.25ParagersdorffiteNi(As,S)2Iso. m3 (2/m 3) : Pa3
2.EB.25OrthogersdorffiteNiAsSOrth. mm2 : Pca21
2.EB.25KvačekiteNiSbSeIso. 2 3 : P21 3
2.EB.30UrvantsevitePd(Bi,Pb)2Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
2.EB.35RheniiteReS2Tric. 1 : P1

Fluorescence of PyriteHide

Not fluorescent in UV

Other InformationHide

Thermal Behaviour:
Heated in a closed tube gives a sublimate of sulfur and a magnetic residue.
Notes:
Insoluble in HCl. Decomposed by nitric acid.
Special Storage/
Display Requirements:
Many pyrites will tarnish over time, and some will even break down due to hydrous iron sulphates and other phases. This can be mitigated somewhat by storage in low-humidity environments but is hard to stop once started. See: http://www.mindat.org/mesg-19-170458.html
Health Risks:
Some fine-grained pyrite is metastable and may alter to melanterite, which contains sulphuric acid. Always wash hands after handling, especially decrepitated material. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest.

Pyrite in petrologyHide

Internet Links for PyriteHide

References for PyriteHide

Reference List:

Significant localities for PyriteHide

Showing 58 significant localities out of 46,545 recorded on mindat.org.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. - Good crystals or important locality for species. - World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Austria
 
  • Carinthia
    • Sankt Veit an der Glan District
      • Hüttenberg
        • Hüttenberger Erzberg
H. Meixner: Carinthia II 158./78.:96-101 (1968)
    • Spittal an der Drau District
      • Mallnitz
G. Niedermayr: Carinthia II 176./96.:523 (1986)
    • Wolfsberg District
      • Wolfsberg
        • Waldenstein
Niedermayr et al. (1995) +1 other reference
  • Salzburg
    • St. Johann im Pongau District
      • Bad Gastein
R. Hasler Collection
Canada
 
  • Nunavut
    • Qikiqtaaluk Region
      • Baffin Island
        • Nanisivik
Gait et al. (1986) +2 other references
            • Main Level
Rod Tyson Personal Communication (RWMW)
  • Ontario
    • Leeds and Grenville Counties
      • Elizabethtown Township
R.J Traill 1983 +2 other references
  • Yukon
    • Mayo mining district
      • Galena Hill
        • Elsa
Oscar Jose Tessari (1979) +1 other reference
China
 
  • Hubei
    • Huangshi
      • Daye Co.
Jingye Jiang et al. (1998) +1 other reference
France
 
  • Brittany
    • Morbihan
      • Pontivy
        • Plumelin
Le Roc'h P. ()
  • Grand Est
    • Bas-Rhin
      • Molsheim
        • Schirmeck
Alain Steinmetz and Thierry Brunsperger ...
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
    • Var
      • Draguignan
        • Saint-Raphaël
Leboucher (1999)
Germany
 
  • Saxony-Anhalt
    • Harz
      • Quedlinburg
        • Gernrode
          • Hagental
Lapis 15 (7/8)
Greece
 
  • Central Macedonia
    • Chalkidiki
      • Aristotelis
        • Kassandra mining district
          • Stratoni Project
Zeschke (1963) +1 other reference
Ireland
 
  • Munster
    • Tipperary County
      • Silvermines District
Barry Flannery Collection. +1 other reference
Stephen Moreton (Pers. Comm.)
Gasparrini (1978) +4 other references
Italy
 
  • Tuscany
    • Livorno Province
      • Rio
        • Rio Marina
          • Rio Mine
Panichi (1909)
Panichi (1909)
Orlandi +1 other reference
    • Lucca Province
      • Stazzema
        • Pontestazzemese
Orlandi et al. (2004)
Kosovo
 
  • Mitrovica District
    • Mitrovica
      • Trepča complex
Féraud J. (1979) +3 other references
Norway
 
  • Agder
    • Evje og Hornnes
      • Landsverk
Revheim (2006)
Peru
 
  • Ancash
    • Bolognesi Province
      • Aquia District
Mineralogical Record 28 (1997) +2 other references
      • Huallanca District
        • Huanzala
Fluorite: The Collector's Choice. Extra ... +1 other reference
    • Pallasca Province
      • Pampas District
collections of Rock Currier +1 other reference
    • Recuay Province
      • Ticapampa District
Mi.Rec. 28 (1997)
  • Huancavelica
    • Angaraes Province
Scherkenbach et al. (1984) +1 other reference
  • La Libertad
    • Santiago de Chuco Province
      • Quiruvilca District
Burkart-Baumann +2 other references
Russia
 
  • Primorsky Krai
    • Dalnegorsk Urban District
      • Dalnegorsk
Grant et al. (2001) +2 other references
Spain
 
  • Castile and Leon
    • Soria
      • San Pedro Manrique
Calvo et al. (1989)
  • La Rioja
    • Muro de Aguas
Calvo et al. ( 6) +1 other reference
Calvo et al. (1989)
Calvo et al. (1989) +1 other reference
Turkey
 
  • Artvin Province
    • Murgul District
      • Murgul Cu-Zn-Pb deposit (Murgul copper deposit)
Econ Geol (1993)
USA
 
  • Colorado
    • Eagle County
      • Gilman Mining District (Battle Mountain Mining District; Red Cliff Mining District)
        • Gilman
Eckel et al. (1997) +1 other reference
  • Connecticut
    • Litchfield County
      • Roxbury
        • Mine Hill (Ore Hill)
Schooner (1961) +1 other reference
      • Thomaston
        • Thomaston Dam
Rocks & Minerals: 60 (3) +4 other references
    • Middlesex County
      • Haddam
Williams (circa 1945) +1 other reference
      • Portland
        • Collins Hill
          • Strickland pegmatite
Ralph Lieser of Pappy’s Beryl Shop +4 other references
    • New Haven County
      • Waterbury
J. Zolan/M. Polletta observation
    • Tolland County
      • Willington
        • West Willington
P Cristofono collection +1 other reference
  • Massachusetts
    • Norfolk County
S Pavadore collection
    • Suffolk County
      • Boston
        • West Roxbury
Harvard Museum of Natural History
  • Michigan
    • Charlevoix County
James Roush' Collection
  • Missouri
    • Iron County
      • Bixby
Rocks & Min.:64:23 +1 other reference
  • New Jersey
    • Sussex County
      • Sparta Township
        • Franklin Marble
Jaszczak (1997)
  • New York
    • Schoharie County
Rocks & Minerals 82:472-483 +1 other reference
  • North Carolina
    • Caldwell County
Mike polletta collected pyrite with his ...
  • Pennsylvania
    • Lancaster County
      • East Earl Township
        • Blue Ball
Mineral collecting in Pennsylvania - ...
    • York County
      • Leaders Heights
"Arthur Koch - collection"
  • Texas
    • Ellis County
      • Midlothian
Cement Industry Technical Conference et al. (s)
  • Vermont
    • Rutland County
      • Pittsford
        • Florence
Piela (1961)
    • Windham County
Johannes Swarts collection
  • Washington
    • King County
      • Snoqualmie Mining District
        • Hansen Creek
Eric He's Collection +1 other reference
        • Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River
Cannon (1975) +4 other references
Lasmanis +2 other references
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
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