Iron sulfide with a deficiency of iron atoms giving it magnetic properties. The only common magnetic sulfide mineral. Color: Bronze to brownish-bronze. Luster: Metallic. Streak: Dark grayish-black. Cleavage: Poor. Hardness: 3.5-4.5. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Monoclinic or Hexagonal. Chemical formula: Fe₁₋ₓS. Specific gravity: 4.58-4.65. Formation: Forms in mafic igneous rocks and high-temperature hydrothermal veins; also in contact metamorphic zones. Common geological settings: Russia, Canada Sudbury , Norway, Brazil; found with nickel-copper sulfide deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:58.93656+00:00
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Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Iron sulfide with a deficiency of iron atoms giving it magnetic properties. The only common magnetic sulfide mineral.
How can you identify Pyrrhotite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Bronze to brownish-bronze; lustre: Metallic; streak: Dark grayish-black; Mohs hardness: 3.5-4.5; cleavage: Poor; crystal system: Monoclinic or Hexagonal; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Pyrrhotite form?
Forms in mafic igneous rocks and high-temperature hydrothermal veins; also in contact metamorphic zones.
Where is Pyrrhotite commonly found?
Russia, Canada Sudbury , Norway, Brazil; found with nickel-copper sulfide deposits.
What is Pyrrhotite commonly confused with?
Pyrrhotite may be confused with Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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