Iron pyrite, generally often known as “idiot’s gold” on account of its resemblance to gold, is an iron sulfide mineral. Its worth is considerably decrease than that of gold, and is decided by elements together with specimen dimension, high quality, and aesthetic attraction. Whereas massive, well-formed crystals might be offered for ornamental functions, the mineral’s main industrial use is within the manufacturing of sulfuric acid.
Traditionally, pyrite was a supply of sulfur and performed a job in early chemical industries. Immediately, whereas not a main supply of iron, its significance lies in its continued use in sulfur manufacturing. Distinguishing pyrite from true gold stays vital for prospectors and collectors alike. This distinction usually includes assessing elements like hardness, streak colour (the colour of the powdered mineral), and crystal kind. Pyrite’s brassy yellow hue and cubic crystal construction distinction with gold’s deeper yellow colour and malleability.