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Are pyrite and marcasite the same?
How do you tell pyrite from marcasite?
Is pyrite a sulfide?
How does pyrite decay affect marcasite?
Can marcasite be used as a gemstone?
What does pyrite look like?
The main differences between Pyrite and Marcasite lie in their crystal structures, physical properties, and historical significance. Pyrite boasts an orthorhombic crystal structure, characterized by cubic or pyritohedral shapes, whereas Marcasite exhibits a monoclinic structure, often forming irregular masses.
Marcasite is lighter and more brittle than pyrite. Specimens of marcasite often crumble and break up due to the unstable crystal structure. On fresh surfaces, it is pale yellow to almost white and has a bright metallic luster. It tarnishes to a yellowish or brownish color and gives a black streak.
Marcasite is a misnomer, referring to the mineral pyrite when it is faceted into small reflective stones and used in jewelry. Marcasite and pyrite are both iron disulfides but they are different minerals because they crystallize in different systems and form under different geologic conditions.
Marcasite is similar to pyrite in appearance and physical properties, and it has the same chemical composition. However, the two minerals differ in crystal structure. Pyrite crystallizes in the isometric system, while marcasite is orthorhombic.
- Sulfide
- Dark gray to black
- Opaque
Marcasite is the lesser known companion of the famous mineral Pyrite. Marcasite has the same chemical formula as Pyrite, but crystallizes in a different crystal system, thereby making it a scientifically distinct mineral species.
Jul 16, 2021 · Both pyrite and marcasite are chemically iron sulfide but share different crystal structures resulting in varying physical properties. It is known as polymorphism. In general, pyrite is more stable and less brittle than marcasite.
Marcasite, an iron sulfide mineral that forms pale bronze-yellow orthorhombic crystals, usually twinned to characteristic cockscomb or sheaflike shapes; the names spear pyrites and cockscomb pyrites refer to the shape and colour of these crystals. Radially arranged fibres are also common.
