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Pyrite, commonly also known as "Fools Gold" because of its color and shape, is popular for its crystal habbit, hardness, streak, luster and brittleness. It is composed of iron disulphide having a pale brass-yellow color. The name pyrite has been derived from the Greek word, pyrites lithos, which mean 'stone which strikes fire,' in allusion to the sparking produced when iron is struck by lump of pyrite.

Pyrite is usually considered to be a stone which can spark creative thinking to one who uses it and opens his/her to new ideas. Iron pyrite is believed to be a very protective stone. It should be carried when performing dangerous work. It stimulates the powers of the intellect. Sunflower pyrite, a variety of pyrite, is said to be a shielding stone. It protects one from any negative energy. It protects the physical, emotional, and etheric levels.

This gemstone in found in Peru, Germany, Spain, Russia, South Africa Bolivia, Italy, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York and Missouri in the US. The specific gravity of the stone is 4.9 - 5.2 and hardness is 6 - 6.5 on Mohs scale.