Sulfur pyrite pyrite. Healing properties of the mineral. Main diagnostic features

What is pyrite? The chemical formula of this compound is FeS2 (iron disulfide). Translated from Greek, this substance is called "fire stone." Consider some of the characteristics and applications of this compound.

properties of pyrite

The formula for the oxidation of pyrite in rocks in the sulfide form is a common compound in nature. It contains nickel, copper, cobalt, gold, arsenic, and selenium as impurities. On a surface that is not subject to oxidation, the mineral has a golden yellow color. Pyrite has the formula of an octahedron, a cube with rough shading on the faces. It is characterized by radial-radiant aggregates, skeletal forms.

Features of education

What is pyrite? The structural formula of this compound explains its magmatic origin. It is released from hydrogen sulfide hot springs that come from magma chambers. Since the formula of pyrite is FeS2, it is found in fossil coals, sedimentary rocks. Significant accumulations of this mineral form on the ocean floor. This compound can be formed in many sedimentary rocks: marly, carbonaceous, clay due to the reaction of a surface aqueous solution, which contains iron, with hydrogen sulfide, obtained as organic residues decompose.

What is the formula of the mineral pyrite? In this compound, the ionic chemical bond predominates, giving the mineral strength and hardness. The compound is found at the bottom of lakes, swamps, in metamorphic rocks.

Close to the surface, pyrite is an unstable compound and rapidly undergoes oxidation and chemical weathering. During oxidation, it passes into limonite (insoluble iron hydroxide), as well as into a solution of sulfuric acid. For this reason, accumulations of brown iron ore are often found in the upper layer of deposits of this mineral.

In places of mine workings, there are excretions of iron sulfide in the form of stalactites. Native highly dispersed sulfur is formed in pyrite ores enriched with this mineral.

Under laboratory conditions, the formula of pyrite can be obtained during the interaction of hydrogen sulfide with iron compounds. The reaction is carried out in an aqueous or alkaline solution.

Some deposits

The maximum deposits of pyrite are located in the earth's crust. The most common hydrothermal mineral is sulfide. Significant amounts of pyrite are found in association with magnetite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite.

The formula of pyrite in chemistry is FeS2. This substance is the feedstock for the industrial production of sulfuric acid. The cinder formed after roasting this mineral is a valuable product for the manufacture of iron and steel.

The main deposits of pyrite in our country are found in Altai, the Caucasus, and the Urals. In Central Russia, it is found in marine gray clays, as well as deposits of brown coal.

Chemical value

Given that the pyrite formula implies the presence of impurities in the mineral, nickel, cobalt, silver, copper, and gold can be extracted from the ore in small quantities.

In the chemical industry, pyrite is used to purify gaseous substances from chlorine. In addition, pyrite has the ability to precipitate from gold solutions, which is used in the extraction of precious metal from sea water.

What are the characteristics of the pyrite formula? This compound has a pronounced metallic luster. Its hardness is rated at 6-6.5. This mineral practically does not dissolve in nitric acid, does not interact with hydrochloric acid. The electrical conductivity of this compound is practically absent, therefore it is called a paramagnetic mineral. Pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, and gold tellurides act as companions of pyrite.

Features of pyrites

Pyrites are minerals that are selenium, arsenic, antimony, selenium compounds of metals of the iron group. Among the representatives of this group, we note: nickel, cobalt, platinum, iron. They have a characteristic metallic sheen, painted in yellow, gray, red. All pyrites have excellent hardness, but are considered brittle minerals.

These include systems of hexagonal and rhombic structure:

• correct systems, pyrite, cobalt luster, speys cobalt, ulmannite, chloantite are presented;
• rhombic variants include arsenic pyrite, marcasite;
• millerite, nickeline, magnetic pyrites have a hexagonal system;
• square shape of copper pyrites.

Physical Features

The mineral occurs in the form of druses or granular solid masses. Druses are an aggregate of crystals that have grown on a common basis. They are found on the walls of open cracks.

Secretions are called the form of deposition of minerals inside rocks. The growth of minerals is observed towards the center from the edges. Geodes are secretions that are about two centimeters in diameter.

Pyrite is characterized by octahedral, cubic, and pentagondodecahedral crystals. The density of the mineral is 5 g/cm3. The pure compound, devoid of impurities, contains 46.7 percent iron and 53.3 percent sulfur. The brass-yellow color characteristic of pyrite, metallic luster, visually turns pyrite into gold. Under conditions of high humidity, pyrite decomposes, forming iron oxides, sulfuric acid, sulfates. It burns in air with a bluish flame, while a characteristic sulfuric smell is felt.

Application

Pyrite ores in industry are considered the most important type of raw material used in the production of sulfuric acid. In the ore selected for the sulfuric acid chemical industry, the percentage of sulfur is estimated to be in the range of 40-50 percent. Processing of the original ore is carried out in a special kiln for roasting. Furnace gas obtained during oxidation (sulfur oxide 4) is purified in an electrostatic precipitator, a drying tower, and a cyclone.

After removal of impurities, it is converted into sulfur oxide (6) in the contact apparatus and hydrated into sulfuric acid in the absorption tower. Among those impurities that have a negative impact on the technological process of manufacturing sulfuric acid, we note arsenic. Modern production based on pyrite involves the preliminary withdrawal of this element from the reaction mixture.

Ores containing cobalt pyrite are a source for obtaining cobalt. The average percentage of this element in the mineral is one percent. Pyrite mined in the Berezovsky deposit is used to make a variety of jewelry.

Conclusion

Pyrite has a geothermal, magmatic, metamorphic, sedimentary origin. The difference between gray pyrites of sedimentary rocks lies in the ability to oxidize in air, turning into iron sulfate. Sulfur pyrites contain arsenic impurities. Copper pyrite in the process of thermal roasting forms pure copper as an impurity. Pseudomorphoses are minerals that form uncharacteristic forms of compounds. For example, when pyrite enters the oxidation region, it is destroyed, the formation of iron hydroxide (3), which fills the pyrite form left over from the leaching process.

Pyrite is recognized as the most common type of sulfide, as it is able to form in different environments. In volcanic rocks, it is formed as a secondary mineral. Iron sulfide is of great technical importance, which is why it is pyrite that is recognized as the main mineral mined for the production of sulfur dioxide in a kiln. It is furnace gas that is used further for the production of sulfuric acid, which is in demand in the modern chemical industry.

Pyrite is a prominent representative of the sulfide family. From Greek, this stone means “carving fire”, in its properties and composition it fully fits its name.

The people call this stone fool's gold, for its external resemblance to gold, but such a stone has practically no value. The composition of pyrite includes sulfur, impurities of cobalt and nickel, asbestos and some particles of gold.

The color of this stone ranges from light yellow to rich gold, depending on which impurities are more. Crystallization of this stone occurs with the help of cubic syngony. This mineral has a fairly high hardness of about 6.5 and a density of about 5000 kg per cubic meter. When exposed to air or water, it changes its composition and transforms into limonite or its other varieties.

Very often, this mineral can be found at the foot of volcanoes, on igneous rocks and in clayey rocks.

Pyrite is one of the most common stones in the world, it can be found in any country. However, large deposits are located in the Urals in Russia, Norway, France, Azerbaijan, Germany and the United States of America. And also one of the largest mines for the extraction of pyrite is located in the city of Rio Tinto, Spain.

Pyrite occurs in nature in several varieties. Marcasite is a stone that has a metallic luster and a pale yellow color. In ancient Egypt, this mineral was used to fake precious stones. Bravoite is the second variety of pyrite, which contains about 20% nickel impurities in its composition. This variety has a bright yellow color and a more intense luster, in no way inferior to marcasite in beauty.

Because of its color, pyrite was called the "gold of the Incas". A stone a few centuries ago was the cause of death of people, as illiterate gold diggers mistook pyrite for gold and forcibly took it from the population. Some gold miners, on the contrary, asked the local population to show where they found pyrite, and everyone knew that pyrite was formed not far from gold deposits. At the time of the gold diggers, a gold rush began and everyone went crazy from the color of pyrite, learning that this stone has no price, some committed suicide.

The healing properties of pyrite

Some lithotherapists claim that this mineral is able to restore the human nervous system. Jewelry made from this stone is recommended to be worn in stressful situations, prolonged depression and mental disorders.

The stone is able to raise the tone of a person, improve mood and increase efficiency.

It is known that when wearing pyrite, the internal organs of the owner begin to work like a “clock”. However, the stone should not be worn by irritable people, as there is a danger of exacerbations.

The use of pyrite in magical practices

This stone must be handled very carefully, as pyrite is a strong magical stone. It is mainly used by men to solve their problems.

In the Middle Ages, alchemists used the mineral in their experiments. Thanks to its energy, the stone is able to give the owner great power, which will allow him to control other people's emotions.

This mineral is not recommended to be carried with you for more than three days, since the owner can be overwhelmed by the energy of pyrite and the person may not be able to cope with his emotions. Pyrite does not tolerate neighborhood with other stones, if you wear two stones, then this mineral blocks the power of the second.

You should not buy a stone from the owner, as it can carry the bad energy of the previous owner. Also, when buying pyrite, pay attention to the integrity of the stone, a sample with cracks can be evil.

Some magicians argue that this stone should not be worn at all, as it is able to reward its owner with greed, anger and hatred for the world around.

In the form of a talisman, pyrite is suitable for people with a pure heart and soul and strong magicians and sorcerers. He is able to give his owner self-confidence and make him a leader. However, even strong magicians do not recommend turning to pyrite, since this stone can take possession of the owner's emotions and subdue him. Remember, if your heart is pure, then nothing threatens you, but if not, then the worst qualities of the owner will absorb it.

Pyrite is able to reflect from himself the forces of nature, in the depths of which he grew up. Some magicians believe that this mineral cannot be looked at for a long time, since pyrite is a fiery stone, you can go crazy from looking at it.

Astrologers believe that this stone is not needed for “ordinary” people, and people who daily in their profession or in general walk “on the edge of a knife” should wear it. This mineral is suitable for people born under the signs of Aries, Sagittarius or Scorpio.

This mineral draws its strength from the planets Mars and Neptune, thanks to the influence of these planets, the stone is so powerful. With the help of pyrite, you can influence the fate of the people around you and manipulate them.

Pyrite gives its owner inner freedom and independence.

Among the ancient Incas, this mineral was used in the form of mirrors or weapons, while small crystals adorned the necks of the women of the tribe. The ancient Indians believed that the stone could protect their homes from the attack of all kinds of dangerous animals, and in particular from alligators.

The use of pyrite

The mineral in question is very rarely used in jewelry, only by order. It is mainly used in the chemical industry for the production of sulfuric acid.

During firing, the cinders of the mineral are used to produce concrete and concrete blocks. A lot of chemical elements of the periodic table are mined from pyrite mines.

Due to its "incendiary" ability, pyrite is used in flint-based weapon locks and in pistols as flint. In this mineral, the current can only pass in one direction, so pyrite is used in the production of detector radios.

Impurities are extracted from pyrite: gold, copper and cobalt, all these impurities are involved in some chemical processes.

Large crystals of pyrite are used as a collection material, and small pieces are used in jewelry. For jewelry, the stone is not cut and inserted in its natural form.

It is very difficult to distinguish a forged stone from the original, some specimens are quite expensive. During processing, the stone loses its appearance, and the fake, even skillful, remains the same or crumbles.

The price of this stone outside of jewelry is estimated at about thirty dollars per kilogram. However, a mineral in a piece of jewelry costs several times more. So, for example, beads from this mineral will cost the buyer one hundred dollars.

In the last century, all the French nobility wore bracelets, earrings and necklaces made of pyrite, but in those days they still did not know how to process stone well enough and pyrite became bright rusty from the slightest moisture. This effect spoiled the appearance of the stone and products with it.

The pyrite stone got its name from the Greek word "pyros" - "fire", which was associated with its ability to strike sparks when struck. In addition, the mineral is called sulfur, vitriol or iron pyrite, as well as fool's gold. And that's not all: synonyms such as liver iron ore, gold blende, cat's gold, health stone, alpine diamond and Inca stone are also used.

The pyrite stone got its name from the Greek word "pyros" - "fire", which was associated with its ability to strike sparks when struck.

The name "fool's gold" was given to the mineral for the reason that in pre-Columbian America, the Spaniards took it away from the locals, mistaking it for a precious metal. This term is simply a description of the Spanish conquistadors, whose greed and stupidity were more than enough to deceive themselves, remaining fools. However, the same stone became a symbol of civic prowess and generosity for French women of the time of Napoleon, who received jewelry with pyrite from the state for services to the army, for which they donated their jewelry.

Composition and properties

Pyrite stone is the most widespread iron sulfide, the formula of which is written as FeS2, the hardness on the Mohs scale is from 6.0 to 6.5 units, the density is 5.0-5.2 g / cm³, the syngony is isometric, and the luster is metallic. Its color can be either light golden or brass. The mineral is paramagnetic and conducts electricity weakly. Completely insoluble in hydrochloric acid and slightly soluble in nitric acid. Pyrite crystals are opaque, their cleavage is imperfect, and the fracture is uneven.

Impurities of gold and silver, as well as cobalt, vanadium, copper, selenium, zinc and arsenic are possible.

The name "fool's gold" was given to the mineral for the reason that in pre-Columbian America, the Spaniards took it away from the locals, mistaking it for a precious metal.

In rocks and ores, the mineral is found in the form of inclusions of small crystals or grains, sometimes of a very beautiful iridescent color. There are also large druses, in which the crystals look, as a rule, as cubes, octahedrons or dodecahedron pentagons. Russian rainbow pyrite currently costs about $90 for a 30.2 carat oval crystal measuring 28.3 x 19.1 mm. There are magnificent large collection samples in the form of intergrowths of pyrite with marcasite, galena, arsenopyrite, etc. Some minerals that are similar in appearance to pyrite differ from it in the following features:

1. Gold has a yellow streak, while pyrite has a dark green or dark brown streak. In addition, it has a hardness of only 2.5-3.0 units on the Mohs scale.
2. Chalcopyrite is characterized by a more intense yellow color and less hardness. On the Mohs scale, the hardness of chalcopyrite is between 3.5 and 4.0 units.
3. Cobaltin is distinguished by the absence of yellow color and lower hardness, equal to 3.5 units on the Mohs scale.
4. Pyrrhotite is characterized by a darker color shade and lower hardness, equal to the Mohs scale from 3.5 to 4.5 units.

Gallery: pyrite (25 photos)

The use of pyrite

The largest pyrite deposit in the world is located in Spain and is called Rio Tinto. Beautiful collectible crystals are brought from the Spanish town of Logroño. There are large deposits in the Congo, Azerbaijan and throughout Russia: in the Urals, near Irkutsk, near Tula, etc. Ores containing pyrite are the main source for obtaining sulfuric acid, sulfur and iron sulfate. As by-products, associated metals such as gold, cobalt, copper and zinc are obtained. Iron cinders, which remain from the roasting of ore, are used to make paint or are used to obtain iron. One of the main sources of selenium are pyrite ore processing products.

In addition, inserts for jewelry are made from beautiful pyrite crystals, for example, from the Ural pebbles from the Berezovsky deposit. Moreover, they are cut mainly in the form of cabochons and make pendants, rings and pendants. Nevertheless, in jewelry, stones are used much less frequently than in the field of mineralogy as collection samples. Not so long ago, the mineral was still used in the form of a flint to strike a spark, filling flint tools, including lighters.

The magical properties of pyrite (video)

Medicinal properties

The healers of the ancient world considered the properties of the stone to carve sparks as a manifestation of the soul of fire, therefore they treated depression, nervous disorders and exhaustion with it, suggesting that the fiery nature of the mineral would restore the patient's vitality, replenish energy reserves, cheer up and increase efficiency.

However, it is better for cheerful, positive people with a large supply of vitality not to wear jewelry with pyrite, since its fiery nature can make them irritable and quick-tempered.

Modern healers recommend wearing jewelry with pyrite to protect against infections, in the chest area - to stimulate the cardiovascular system and improve blood circulation. In addition, the mineral here will stimulate the functioning of the lungs and bronchi, which in turn will eliminate the syndrome of bronchial asthma or prevent it. The fiery nature of the stone has a positive effect on the gonads, returning the possibility of conception to previously barren women. In the villages, they still tie a piece of the mineral to the leg of the woman in labor to facilitate and speed up the process of childbirth.

magical influence

The magical properties of pyrite have been known since ancient times. Even medieval alchemists believed that this mineral could be turned into gold. Modern esotericists use the stone as a protective talisman for people in dangerous professions associated with risk, such as firefighters, military, blacksmiths and builders. Sorcerers often use the magical properties of pyrite to restore their vitality after performing magical rituals and witchcraft rites.

The fiery nature of the mineral makes its owners more attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex, enhancing their sexual energy. At the same time, men become more courageous and passionate, and women become confident in themselves and their sexuality. No exact correspondence with astrological signs has yet been identified, however, it can be assumed that it is better not to wear jewelry with such a stone for Aries, who are quick-tempered and hot by nature. This assumption will be true for those people who, not being Aries according to the horoscope, have a stellium of planets in this sign.

mineral Pyrite

English name: Pyrite

Pyrite is one of the most popular minerals in the sulfite class. Its name comes from the Greek "pyr", which translates as "fire". On impact, pyrite produces a spark. Outwardly, this rock is very similar to gold. This stone has two varieties: bravoite and marcasite. According to their chemical composition, they are the same species.

History of the mineral

The Spanish conquistadors mistook this metal for precious. All because of the similarity with gold crystals. Gold miners wanted to instantly get rich, but in the end they found themselves in a very awkward position, since the material turned out to be not precious.

Pyrite has been used as an ornamental material for a very long time. During the Napoleonic Wars, this mineral was distributed to women who gave their valuables to the needs of the army. Jewelry made from pyrite has long been considered something unique. Women wore them with great pleasure.

What does a mineral look like?

This breed has a color of brass yellow and straw yellow. Also, pyrite can have a silver color.

Main stone deposits

Pyrite is used very widely. But despite this, standing specimens of this breed are rare. In Russia, America and Europe are the largest deposits of pyrite.

The extraction of this breed is not an independent matter. Pyrite is obtained when working with pyrite ore, when mining more valuable rocks.

Features of mineral processing

Pyrite is very difficult to process. All the complexity is associated with its fragility. Here special equipment is used.

How is it used in industry and jewelry?

In jewelry, pyrite is usually used, which is mined in Italy. Pyrite is not widely used. It is usually used to make inserts into rings, as well as buttons and cufflinks. It is not recommended to combine this stone with other minerals. Pyrite jewelry looks very beautiful, but after some time they oxidize and lose their original appearance. It is very important that jewelry made from pyrite is not impacted. This makes them very bad.

The fragility of pyrite causes problems not only for the jewelry industry. Miners and miners also experience a lot of difficulties because of this property of this breed. In the case of oxidation of huge masses of this stone, the temperature rises to such a level that a so-called pyrite fire occurs.

Chemical composition

WITH content (in%): Fe- 46.6; S - 53.4; minor impurities of cobalt, nickel, arsenic, antimony, copper, gold, silver, and selenium are noted.
didocahedral kind of symmetry.

Physical Properties

Cleavage - usually absent, sometimes obscure at (100) and (111).
Most often observed in the form of continuous dense masses and granular accumulations in massive sulfide deposits. Pyrite crystals of cubic, pentagon-dodecahedral and octahedral habitus are widespread.

The main simple forms are (100), (210), (111), more rarely (211), (321), etc. Twisted pyrite crystals and their druses are known, as well as sinter colloform segregations, which are usually considered as indicators of low-temperature formation conditions. Characteristic hatching on the faces, parallel to the edges. There are twins, mainly at (110) and (111). There are pseudomorphs after pyrrhotite, wood, paramorphoses after marcasite.

Pyrite is the most common and polygenic sulfide, mainly formed from hydrothermal solutions (pyrite deposits with chalcopyrite, sphalerite, quartz and other minerals, vein and metasomatic deposits of gold and polymetals of various formations, etc.). Pyrite concretions are common in sedimentary rocks, as well as secretions - crusts in shell cavities.
The color is brassy, ​​straw yellow, sometimes with tarnish. The line is greenish-black. Shiny metallic. Transparency - opaque. Hardness 6-6.5. Density 5-5.2 g / cm 3. The fracture is conchoidal. Syngony is cubic. Cleavage is usually absent, sometimes indistinct at (100) and (111). Aggregates Most often observed in the form of continuous dense masses and granular accumulations in massive sulfide deposits. Crystals and their druses are widespread, as well as sinter colloform segregations, which are usually considered as indicators of low-temperature conditions of formation. There are pseudomorphs after pyrrhotite, wood, paramorphoses after marcasite. Pyrite concretions are common in sedimentary rocks, as well as secretions - crusts in shell cavities. The shape of the crystals is cubic, pentagon-dodecahedral and octahedral crystals. The main simple forms: (100), (210), (111), less often (211), (321), etc. Twisted pyrite crystals are known. Characteristic hatching on the faces, parallel to the edges. There are twins, mainly along (110) and (111) P. tr. on coal, it burns with a blue flame, releasing SO2 and turning into red Fe2O3. In east square fuses into a black magnetic ball. In closed tr. gives sublimation S and the remainder FeS. Behavior in acids does not dissolve in HCl. Decomposes with difficulty into HNO3 releasing S. Volume 1, 269

Mineral properties

• Specific gravity: 5 - 5,2
• Selection form: crystals of cubic, pentagon-dodecahedral and octahedral habit. The main simple forms: (100), (210), (111), less often (211), (321), etc. Twisted pyrite crystals are known. Characteristic hatching on the faces, parallel to the edges. There are twins, mainly along (110) and (111)
• Classes according to the systematics of the USSR: Sulfides
• Chemical formula: FeS 2
• Syngony: cubic
• Color: straw yellow, sometimes tarnished.
• Dash color: greenish black
• Shine: metal
• Transparency: opaque
• Break: conchoidal
• Hardness: 6 6,5
• Additionally: P. tr. on coal, it burns with a blue flame, releasing SO2 and turning into red Fe2O3. In east square fuses into a black magnetic ball. In closed tr. gives sublimation S and residue FeS

Photo of the mineral

Related Articles

• Pyrite is the first human matches.
  With its light brass-yellow color, pyrite (iron disulfide, iron pyrite) is a bit like gold.

Deposits of the mineral Pyrite

• Nester-Shor field
• Hus-Oika deposit
• Dalnegorsk
• Ulyanovsk region
• Berezovsky mine
• Bazhenovskoye field
• Khizovara
• Kurjunkul
• Nikolaevsky mine
• Malyshevskoe
• China
• Navahun
• Dagger, quarry
• Astafyevskoye field
• Russia
• Libyan desert
• Birkachan
• Kazakhstan
• Republic of Karelia
• Primorsky Krai
• Stavropol region
• Magadan Region
• Sverdlovsk region
• Chelyabinsk region
• Spain
• Bulgaria
• Ryazan Oblast
• Severouralsk
• Amur region
• Illinois
• Berezitovoe
• Tyndinsky
• Dzhezkazgan
• hit island

The first matches of mankind, a "battery" for replenishing vitality, just a stone resembling a noble metal - all this is pyrite.

Translated from the ancient Greek "feast" means "fire". The mineral was named so for its resemblance and belief that with its help you can quickly and easily get fire. Indeed, a couple of blows are enough for sparks to appear, which all peoples did from antiquity to the era of flintlock guns.

The Incas used it to make mirrors for magical rites, and the Indians considered the fire stone to be a protection against alligators.

They called the pyrites fool's gold. Outwardly, the mineral resembles gold, which was bought by ordinary prospectors and experienced Spanish conquistadors. They took away or lured the brilliant mineral from the Indians, and at home they became the object of ridicule because of their own greed and ignorance.

External similarity, magical properties, plus a historical train led to numerous names of pyrite:

• gold - Incas, fools, cat;
• pyrite - gray, iron;
• health stone.

The first "matches" of mankind have a rich biography.

Where is pyrite used?

As a jewelry or ornamental mineral, the ancient Egyptians used it.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the meaning of the stone became a symbol of patriotism. It was received as a distinction by French women who donated gold jewelry to the needs of the army.

In the 20th century, jewelers improved raw pyrite crystals, creating exclusive items. The most famous - authorship

Londoners Butler and Wilson in the 60s.

The mining method makes pyrite stone cheap. However, almost everything goes to the production of durable grades of concrete, cement, sulfuric acid.

Jewelers get the crumbs. They love the mineral despite its fragility and heat sensitivity. Although in its original form it is magnificent.

Stone deposits

The mineral is mined on all continents, but valuable specimens are rare. The largest concentrations are in Sweden, Norway, Spain, Azerbaijan, the USA and the all-Russian “box” of the Urals. Jewelry samples are supplied by Italy.

Golden interlayers are found in the neighborhood of pyrites or gold, thermal springs. Due to the significant percentage of sulfur, the stone is called sulfur pyrite.

The mineral is not specially sought for, but obtained along the way, when more valuable copper, zinc, and cobalt are mined from pyrite ore.

Small aggregates predominate in igneous rocks; quartz veins conceal large visually perfect pyrite crystals.