FeS₂
Pyrite
Fool’s gold strikes a spark, which is why the Greek name speaks of fire, and the streak is black.
- Formula
- FeS₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6–6.5
- Crystal system
- cubic
- Colour
- yellow
- Element
- fire
- Chakra (tradition)
- solar plexus
- Zodiac
- Leo
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- Spain, Peru, Italy
What it actually is
Pyrite is FeS₂ before it is a story. The lattice is cubic, Mohs 6–6.5, and the eye meets yellow.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Spain, Peru, Italy. Fool’s gold strikes a spark, which is why the Greek name speaks of fire, and the streak is black.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Pyrite to fire and to the solar plexus centre. The old site stood it near: Leo.
How not to turn it to ash
A hard stone survives a daily ring, yet two diamonds in one box will scratch each other. Warm water and a soft cloth are enough.