Editing Pyrite (section)

==Distinguishing similar minerals==
Pyrite is distinguishable from [[Gold#Occurrence|native gold]] by its hardness, brittleness and crystal form. Pyrite fractures are very [[Fracture (mineralogy)#Uneven fracture|uneven]], sometimes [[conchoidal fracture|conchoidal]] because it does not cleave along a preferential plane. Native [[gold nugget]]s, or glitters, do not break but deform in a [[ductility|ductile]] way. Pyrite is brittle, gold is malleable.

Natural gold tends to be [[Euhedral and anhedral|anhedral]] (irregularly shaped without well defined faces), whereas pyrite comes as either cubes or multifaceted crystals with well developed and sharp faces easy to recognise. Well crystallised pyrite crystals are [[euhedral]] (''i.e.'', with nice faces). Pyrite can often be distinguished by the striations which, in many cases, can be seen on its surface. [[Chalcopyrite]] ({{Chem2|CuFeS2}}) is brighter yellow with a greenish hue when wet and is softer (3.5–4 on Mohs' scale).<ref>[http://www.minerals.net/mineral/sulfides/pyrite/pyrite.htm Pyrite on]. Minerals.net (2011-02-23). Retrieved on 2011-05-25.</ref> [[Arsenopyrite]] (FeAsS) is silver white and does not become more yellow when wet.