cubic Sulfides
Pyrite (Iron Cross Twin)
Formula FeS2
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Pyrite
#! System: Cubic (23)
#! Habit: Iron cross penetration twin
cubic[23]:{210}@1.0 + {100}@0.3 | twin(iron_cross)
cubic
23
{210} {100}
Quick Facts
Hardness
6.5
Specific Gravity
4.95
Optical Character
Isotropic
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- cubic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5
- Specific Gravity
- 4.95
- Cleavage
- Poor {100}
- Fracture
- Conchoidal to uneven
- Lustre
- Metallic
Optical Properties
- Optical Character
- Isotropic
- Pleochroism
- None
Characteristics
Colours
Brass yellowPale goldTarnished (iridescent)
Localities
Spain (Navajun, La Rioja)Italy (Elba, Traversella)PeruUSA (Illinois, Colorado)
Common Inclusions
Growth striationsInclusions of gold
Crystal Forms
pyritohedroncube
Notes
Named for cross-shaped pattern visible on twin plane; highly prized by collectors
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
