Pyrite (Iron Sulfide)

The name of this mineral comes from an ancient Greek word for fire. Because of the bright yellow color of many examples of pyrite it sometimes is called "fool's gold." Pyrite is very common in the earth's crust. It has been used as an ore for sulfur, and sometimes as a source of iron. The more easily mined hematite, however, is a preferred source of iron. During the Second World War when North American sources of native sulfur were being used up, pyrite was mined for its sulfur content. Pieces of pyrite can be cut and polished and are used as ornamental stones. These sometimes mistakenly are called marcasite, which is a different mineral.