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  • Identifying Iron Sulfide (Pyrite): Color, Luster & Crystal Form
    Iron sulfide, or pyrite, is a mineral with a very distinct appearance. It's often referred to as "fool's gold" because it can look quite like gold in its raw form. Here's what you need to know about its look:

    * Color: Pyrite has a bright, brassy yellow color, very similar to gold. However, it can have a greenish or brownish tinge depending on impurities.

    * Luster: It has a metallic luster, meaning it reflects light like a metal.

    * Crystal Form: Pyrite often forms cubical crystals with striations (lines) on their faces. It can also occur in other forms like octahedrons, dodecahedrons, and even massive, irregular shapes.

    * Streak: The streak (the color of the mineral when rubbed on a streak plate) of pyrite is black to greenish-black. This is a key difference from gold, which leaves a golden streak.

    Important Note: While pyrite is very common, it's important to note that it is not gold. It is much softer than gold and can be easily scratched with a knife.

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