The mineral , or iron pyrite, also known as fool’s gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS₂. Pyrite is considered the most common of the sulfide minerals. Pyrite’s metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence the well-known nickname of fool’s gold.
Hardness: 6–6.5
Luster: Metallic, glistening
Pyrite enjoyed brief popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries as a source of ignition in earlyfirearms, most notably the wheellock, where the cock held a lump of pyrite against a circular file to strike the sparks needed to fire the gun.
Pyrite is a very protective stone, shielding the user from negativeenergy of all kinds and promotes good physical health and emotional well-being.