FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[matt1980]

Its metallic, it scratches glass, the color is just gold. I dont know where its from, my Grandpa had it. He lived in VA.
I considered it might be coated with something, but it doesnt scratch off. Thanks!

[SteveB]

Might be a pyrite or a chunk of metal waste. You need to read the sticky topic which highlights some basic tests you need to make and provide the results with your post. It is difficult at best to identify a mineral from a photo alone.

[alfredo]

By the information Matt has given us (metallic luster, "gold" (or rather more pale brassy in the photo), and hardness over 5.5), this is most likely PYRITE (also known as "iron pyrites", "fools' gold", etc).

[matt1980]

I read the rules. I dont carry hydrochloric acid and a graduated cylinder in my back pocket.

[matt1980]

Alfredo, thank you.

[Riccardo Modanesi]

Hi to everybody! I agree: pyrite or chalcopyrite if the colour trends to gold-yellow and there are bluish-green streaks of oxydation.
Greetings by Riccardo.