Pyrite forms in a wide variety of environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The Many Faces of Fool's Gold | American Scientist
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 Fools Gold
: When scraped against unglazed porcelain, pyrite leaves a greenish-black streak , while real gold leaves a golden-yellow streak . Pyrite forms in a wide variety of environments,
Pyrite is an iron disulfide distinguished by its pale, brassy-yellow color and metallic luster. Despite its appearance, it is easily distinguished from real gold through several physical tests: Despite its appearance, it is easily distinguished from
: It commonly forms perfect cubic, octahedral, or pyritohedral (12-faced) crystals.
: 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.