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Crystal system |
isometric. |
Habit |
usually cubic or octahedral; frequently massive, granular botryoidal and stalactitic; twinning is possible. |
Cleavage |
indistinct |
Fracture |
conchoidal to uneven. |
Hardness |
6-6.5 |
Specific Gravity |
5 |
Color |
pale brass yellow. |
Luster |
opaque and metallic. |
Streak |
none. |
Distinguishing features |
often confused for gold by the untrained eye but it is MUCH harder than gold and its yellow color is more brassy; can also be confused with chalcopyrite when tarnished but pyrite is still a harder mineral. |
Uses |
often called "Fools Gold" it is mainly of interest to scientists and collectors; however, it is often found in association with gold and it was once a source of sulfur.
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