Pyrite

On this page you will find a selection of pyrite specimens we have for sale. It comes in may shapes some of which are rarely seen in nature(perfect geometric shapes). Many of the specimens we have are from the Victoria Mine, Navajún, La Rioja, Spain. This location is famous for its perfect cubes. These cubes and inter-grown cubes can be found both in and out of matrix. Many have a mirror like luster, and folks often have a hard time believing that they are naturally occurring.

Properties:

Formula: FeS2	Lustre: Metallic
Hardness: 6 – 6½	Streak: Greenish-black
Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct	Density: 4.8 – 5 g/cm3

“Pyrite is a very common mineral, found in a wide variety of geological formations from sedimentary deposits to hydrothermal veins and as a constituent of metamorphic rocks. It’s brassy-yellow metallic colour has in many cases lead to people mistake it for Gold, hence the common nickname ‘Fool’s gold’. Pyrite is quite easy to distinguish from gold: it is much lighter, but harder than gold and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or pocket knife.” – MinDat