Fool's Gold Nugget

Iron pyrite, the mineral that fooled countless prospectors/Geology & Minerals

Iron pyrite (FeS2) earned the nickname 'fool's gold' because its brassy yellow color and metallic luster have deceived hopeful prospectors for centuries. A typical collectible pyrite cube is about 3 cm on each side and weighs around 130 grams. Pyrite is actually quite common and has a density of about 5,010 kg per cubic meter, significantly heavier than real gold's color but far less dense than gold itself (19,300 kg/m3). Pyrite strikes sparks when hit with steel and was historically used in flintlock firearms.