What is pyrite?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Pyrite is an iron sulphide mineral with a bright, brassy-gold metallic lustre that has fooled prospectors for centuries, earning it the nickname fool's gold. The name comes from the Greek word for fire, because striking pyrite against another rock produces sparks. It forms in perfect cubes or octahedral crystals and has a striking, geometric beauty that makes it genuinely appealing in jewellery as pendants, rings and earrings. It is relatively affordable and pairs well with gold-toned metals, though it can tarnish over time and is brittle compared to most gemstones.
Frequently asked questions
- How do you tell pyrite from real gold?
- Pyrite is much harder than gold, so it will scratch glass while gold will not. Pyrite is also brittle and shatters if struck, while gold bends. Real gold also has a deeper, warmer yellow colour compared to pyrite's brighter, more brassy tone, and it leaves a yellow streak while pyrite leaves a greenish-black one.
- Is pyrite good for jewellery?
- Pyrite makes striking jewellery because of its metallic shine and cubic crystal forms, and it is affordable. It is on the brittle side, so it suits lower-impact settings like earrings and pendants better than rings that take daily knocks. It can also tarnish in humid conditions.
- What does pyrite symbolise?
- Pyrite is associated with abundance, confidence and action. Many people wear it as a stone linked with wealth and positive energy, drawing on its long association with gold and fire.
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