This listing is for a high grade Pyrite, aka Fool’s Gold, display specimen from Peru, 100% natural.

Details:

• mineral: Pyrite
• color: gold
• dimensions: approx 2.25 × 2 × 2 inches
• weight: 448.17 g

The measurements provided are at the widest part and are close approximations.   The piece(s) shown in the pictures is what will be shipped to you.

Pyrite, widely known as "fool's gold," is a common iron sulfide mineral with the chemical formula FeS₂.

Key Properties & Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Iron disulfide (FeS₂), made of roughly 46.67% iron and 53.33% sulfur.
• Appearance: Pale brass-yellow color with a bright, metallic luster.
• Crystal Structure: Forms in the isometric system, frequently appearing as sharp, well-defined cubes, pyritohedrons (12-sided), or octahedrons. Cubic faces often feature fine parallel lines called striations.
• Hardness: Rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it much harder than real gold (which is soft and malleable). Pyrite can scratch glass, whereas a knife blade will not easily mark it.

This is what John from OK had to say about our gemstone specimens: I can always count on receiving great specimens from TNTMineCo and you can too

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Thank You

Tim & Tonya Daniels

Safety Advisory (California Proposition 65):

While completely safe to display on a shelf or wear as finished pieces, many raw mineral specimens naturally contain toxic elements, heavy metals, or glass-like structures (such as copper, arsenic, lead, or silica). To ensure your safety, please follow these responsible ownership and lapidary protocols:

• Basic Handling: Always wash your hands immediately after touching raw minerals and never ingest minerals.

• Lapidary Safety: When cutting or drilling, always use specialized safety equipment, including wet-cutting machinery, proper ventilation, and appropriate respirators or masks to avoid inhaling toxic dust or fumes.

How Pyrite Causes Toxicity

Pure iron pyrite (FeS₂) does not inherently contain high levels of arsenic, though trace amounts or associated minerals like arsenopyrite (FeAsS) can present heavy metal and toxicity risks.

Safety Guidelines

• Wash Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling specimens, especially before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
• Avoid Dust Inhalation: Do not cut, grind, sand, or crush pyrite without proper ventilation and a certified particle respirator (such as a P100 or dust mask), as fine dust can irritate the lungs and expose you to trace toxins.
• Keep Dry: Do not expose pyrite to water or use it to make crystal-infused drinking water or elixirs. Moisture and air cause pyrite to oxidize, releasing sulfuric acid and skin irritants.
• Use Gloves: Wear protective gloves if you are handling rough specimens for extended periods or if you have cuts and abrasions on your skin.
• Proper Storage: Store specimens in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, out of reach of children and pets.
• Never Ingest: Do not lick, put in your mouth, or swallow any part of the mineral.