How Much Does Pyrite Cost?

Last Updated on March 5, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Pyrite, the most common sulfide material in the Earth’s crust comes from a Greek word meaning “a stone which strikes fire.”

It was given this name because of its metallic luster and brass-yellow color that has earned it many other nicknames including “fool’s gold.”

For centuries, pyrite has been used as an ore of iron. In some cases, it may be seen in jewelry or for novelty collectors to enjoy.

How much does pyrite cost?

The price of pyrite is always fluctuating – the cost will depend on where you’re buying it from. On the market, a specimen of pyrite costs anywhere between $0.30 to $0.65 per carat; as a gemstone, up to about $8 per carat depending on quality. You can check out the table below to see what it may end up costing you:

The popularity of the mineral amongst miners and collectors alike can be seen on sites like Amazon where one pound’s worth of unpolished iron pyrite costs around $10; a price not that different from retail stores with similar packaging options.

You might also like our articles about the cost of metal detectors, diamond mounting, or precious materials.

If you find pyrite, or a piece of fool’s gold as some people call it, don’t just dismiss it as being worthless. It might be worth even more per gram than you think. Some pyrite contains traces of precious metals such as gold which can increase the pyrite value dramatically to $1,500 per troy ounce if there is 0.25% present in your sample! That means one ton will yield about 73 Troy ounces and could have close to $109,000 value.

Important things to consider

Iron pyrite is often used as a gemstone, but it’s not very durable. They may be cut into cabochons or faceted but can easily become tarnished which would make them undesirable for jewelry use. Iron pyrites are sold in bags of nuggets by the piece or rock form and also come in many different shapes.

There are a few popular types of pyrite stones that can be found online. The most common type is the original form, which means buyers get them exactly how they came out of the ground and these varieties make great cabbing rocks or wire wrapping for long-lasting decorations in your home.

Pyrite is a mineral that can be used to start fires, and this process has been practiced for hundreds of years. People use pyrite rocks in the same way as flintstones by striking them together with dry tinder nearby.

In ancient times, healers used tumbled pyrite spheres to stimulate creativity and imagination. These stones are said to have the ability to activate the solar plexus chakra known as our creative center or “sun” energy that governs human willpower and self-confidence levels in addition to the cognitive function of the brain.

According to some people, there are some special qualities about pyrite rocks – iron pyrites specifically – that set them apart from other types of natural ones found around our homes like those for decoration purposes only. Things such as being able to overcome feelings of inadequacy and inertia along with keeping the place feeling energized.

Pyrite is a stone that radiates optimism and cheerful energy, according to about.com. It’s also solid and grounding, which makes it very protective! Pyrite can shield you from negative energies while promoting happiness in your life. The versatile pyrite can share its traits of being both shining bright as well as solid to help you make better decisions for yourself with the clarity necessary to stay grounded even when things get tough.

The pyrite stone is excellent for business and academic pursuits. It will provide you with optimism, clarity of mind, as well as physical stamina to pursue any goal that life throws your way.

Pyrite hardness is somewhere between 6 and 6.5, according to an article from Minerals.net.

Difference between gold vs pyrite

• Fool’s gold, when viewed in the naked eye, will “glisten,” not shine. Its edges are also sharp and separated by layers if you examine it closely. Gold on the other hand is shiny from any angle.
• If you have a piece of copper handy, scratch the gold in question with it. If the gold scratches then it’s pyrite since it’s harder than copper.
• Gold can be identified by rubbing it against porcelain and looking for yellow residue, while pyrite will leave a greenish-black powdery residue.
• The edges of pyrite are sharp and mean-looking. This contrasts the softer, rounder edge found on gold nuggets.