Properties of Pyrite

Pyrite is a sulfide mineral composed of iron and sulfur, and it is commonly known as “fool’s gold” due to its metallic luster and a color that can resemble gold. It is commonly found in a variety of geological settings, including sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins.

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Image of pyrite mineral
Credit: Uoaei1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of pyrite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Pyrite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaFeS2
Molar Mass119.979 g/mol
Crystal SystemCubic
Density4950 - 5030 kg/m3
ColorPale brass yellow
DiaphaneityOpaque
LusterMetallic
Cleavage{100} poor, {110} poor
FractureConchoidal
StreakGreenish black
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Mohs Hardness6 - 6.5
Bulk Modulus149 GPa
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)2.6×10-5 1/°C

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.