;

Pyrite

Chemical Formula

FeS2

Chemical Class

Sulfides

Properties

Pyrite is a very common mineral, found in a large variety of rocks, including meteorites.

Origin

Canada

Curiosities

The name Pyrite comes from the Greek pyr, meaning fire, referring to glossy sparks released by fire whenever hit with steel. Pyrite golden-yellow metallic color often leads people to mix it with gold, thus the nickname ‘fool´s gold’.

Use

Its main use is as sulphur source to manufacture sulphuric acid, and less frequently, as iron source. It is also used as a gemstone, but it is sold as Marcasite.

ABC of mining