2 pyrite specimens

[Lapin911]

Hey all my first post. I am an avid metal detector enthusiast but I also enjoy anything geological. As such here are 2 pyrite specimens I found while walking the dog last week. (I think one might be arsenopyrite) is there a way to test this without poisoning myself.

 

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[kcm]

Maybe this site will help get you started:
Pyrite: The mineral pyrite information and pictures

Beautiful specimens.

 

[DDancer]

A simple test for arsenopyrite, it wont kill ya , is to just scratch the material as you would for a streak test on a piece of clean porcelain then sniff it. Smells like garlic or old fireworks, sulfur, then you have a positive id. Other than that its pretty harmless. Some specimens of the material are very reactive with water and air but yours looks stable.
As to the second pyrite its marcasite. Keep an eye out where you found it as it can form some very interesting specimens.

 

[Lapin911]

A simple test for arsenopyrite, it wont kill ya , is to just scratch the material as you would for a streak test on a piece of clean porcelain then sniff it. Smells like garlic or old fireworks, sulfur, then you have a positive id. Other than that its pretty harmless. Some specimens of the material are very reactive with water and air but yours looks stable.
As to the second pyrite its marcasite. Keep an eye out where you found it as it can form some very interesting specimens.

Does it have to be pure porcelain? As in, no glazing on top? Or would a porcelain floor tile work?

I will have another look in the area I found the marcasite to see if I can spot anything else.

 

[Eu_citzen]

The glazing will prevent a scratch, this it won't work.

 

[EricTheCat]

As he said, non-glazed porcelain (like the back of some tiles) to do a streak test. In a pinch I have used the bottom of the toilet lid.

 

[smokeythecat]

Go to any decent hardware store and get a floor tile. Use the back.

 

[PennyG]

The bottom of a few of my coffee cups have come in handy for the scratch test.

 

[DDancer]

Hehh What they said but finish your coffee first before upending the coffee cup

 

[Mrdigz]

As he said, non-glazed porcelain (like the back of some tiles) to do a streak test. In a pinch I have used the bottom of the toilet lid.

That is hysterical!!! I'm thinking it could be a skit for Saturday night live!! ( And it's also a good idea!!)

Nice specimens! I like pic #2! Colors are popping out even through the photo!!! Hope you get some more!

 

[Lapin911]

Thanks! I am thinking of cleaning the rust off the marcasite with Super Iron Out. Hope it turns out ok!