: Derived from the Greek word pyr ("fire"), pyrite produces sparks when struck against steel, a property used by ancient civilizations for fire-starting. Geological Formation and Occurrences
: Pyrite is much harder than gold, rating 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale . It is brittle and will shatter if struck, whereas gold is soft and will indent. Fools Gold
: It commonly forms perfect cubic, octahedral, or pyritohedral (12-faced) crystals. : Derived from the Greek word pyr ("fire"),
: When scraped against unglazed porcelain, pyrite leaves a greenish-black streak , while real gold leaves a golden-yellow streak . pyrite leaves a greenish-black streak
Beyond the Deceptive Luster: A Brief Study of "Fool's Gold" (Pyrite) "Fool's Gold," scientifically known as ( FeS2cap F e cap S sub 2