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Pyrrhotite
Pyrrhotite is sulfide (iron, deficit), Fe₁₋ₓS. In the hand, it rates 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs bronze and brownish bronze. The bronze sulfide a magnet actually grabs, darker and browner than pyrite, often in stacked hexagonal plates, tarnishing dull fast.
The geology.
Pyrrhotite carries the formula Fe₁₋ₓS. It belongs to the monoclinic / hexagonal (polytypes) system. The trade files it under sulfide (iron, deficit).
It sits at 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads metallic. Light behaviour is opaque. Specific gravity runs 4.58 to 4.65. The streak is dark gray-black. It breaks with no cleavage; uneven fracture; brittle.
The bronze sulfide a magnet actually grabs, darker and browner than pyrite, often in stacked hexagonal plates, tarnishing dull fast.
Common cuts are hexagonal tabular crystals, massive ore or rosette clusters.
The origins.
Magmatic sulfide deposits: Sudbury (Canada), Mexico (Santa Eulalia, great crystals), Russia, China (Dalnegorsk-style rosettes).
On value, the database notes: affordable; sharp hexagonal rosettes are collector pieces.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, pyrrhotite has little established lore; some link its magnetism with willpower themes.
Included for completeness. Tradition is worth knowing about, and it is worth keeping separate from the mineralogy.
Spotting the real thing.
The bronze sulfide a magnet actually grabs, darker and browner than pyrite, often in stacked hexagonal plates, tarnishing dull fast.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Pyrite | Pyrite is paler brass, harder, and utterly non-magnetic |
| Chalcopyrite | Yellower, non-magnetic, greenish-black streak |
| Pentlandite | The nickel partner is non-magnetic, magnets map the difference in mixed ore |
At-home tests.
These checks cost nothing. Daylight, a 10x loupe and a little patience are the whole kit for pyrrhotite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Magnet test | noticeably attracted (varies by polytype) |
| By eye | Bronze-brown color darker than pyrite |
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 3.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with no cleavage; uneven fracture; brittle, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Fe₁₋ₓS. Crystal system: Monoclinic / hexagonal (polytypes). Specific gravity: 4.58 to 4.65. Streak: Dark gray-black. Cleavage and fracture: No cleavage; uneven fracture; brittle.
How it reaches the market
Magmatic sulfide deposits: Sudbury (Canada), Mexico (Santa Eulalia, great crystals), Russia, China (Dalnegorsk-style rosettes).
What it gets confused with
Pyrite: Pyrite is paler brass, harder, and utterly non-magnetic. Chalcopyrite: Yellower, non-magnetic, greenish-black streak. Pentlandite: The nickel partner is non-magnetic, magnets map the difference in mixed ore.
What it is worth
Affordable; sharp hexagonal rosettes are collector pieces.
One more thing
Pyrrhotite in concrete aggregate slowly destroys foundations, a mineral identification lesson costing homeowners millions.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry pyrrhotite. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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