Why does pyrite form cubes

If you are given some number of cubes, there are many different ways to assemble the cubes face to face, and only one of these ways is to create a large cube. So why is it that the pyrite in this rock forms nearly perfect cubes?

Pyrite can actually come in a range of crystalline morphologies, as seen below:. Modelling of cubic pyrite crystals, as in the picture in your question, are explained in the article Modeling the Shape of Ions in Pyrite-Type Crystals Crystals , 4 3 , — The shapes of the constituent chemicals used in this diagram is based on their modelling, specifically one of the conclusions the author makes is that:.

For all other site symmetries, however, two or three radial parameters will apply. With this model in mind, the explanation provided in the caption for this diagram states:. The molecular shape does not necessarily mean that the pyrite crystal has a cubic shape, however if the conditions are right pressure and temperature , and the composition is 'correct' - if the formation is in a iron rich environment as per the first reference , then this molecular shape could express as a cubic crystal.

The faces of the crystal do however always represent a plane that can be described by some Miller indices of the crystal lattice. And indeed, there are multiple alternative crystal habits for pyrite eg dodecahedral, see Wikipedia article and santiago's answer , while retaining the same internal structure.

After scheduling a mining expedition on their website, customers are allowed to explore the mine, dig for specimens, and take what they find. You might be lucky enough to find massive, perfectly cubed specimens grouped in aesthetically pleasing clusters.

But be sure to bring an extra suitcase. Pyrite is heavy! Pyrite clusters are widely available through collectors and mineral dealers.

These clusters have also been cleaned, and any loose pyrite cubes glued securely in place. This preserves the natural beauty of the clusters in the original formation they were found in, but without the surrounding rock.

These clusters can be magnificent, showing the random but interconnected nature of crystal formations. What is Pyrite? History of Pyrite Historically, pyrite has been a mineral of human interest since the dawn of time.

How is Pyrite Formed? This can be seen within the chambers of the fossilized shell below: Why Does Pyrite form Cubes? What is so special about Pyrite from Navajun, Spain?

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Work in progress entomology naturalhistorycurios. What does pyrite look like? What is the common crystal size of pyrite? What makes a pyrite Cube a perfect cube?

What kind of crystal does pyrite form? What makes pyrite a good source of iron? Where can you find pyrite cubes in fossils? Why does pyrite form cubic crystals in water The formation of pyrite crystals mainly depends on the iron content of the sediment.

How are pyrite crystals formed in fresh water? Which is softer, pyrite crystal or gold crystal? Why are the faces of pyrite always the same? Why are pyrite ores important to the environment? Why does crushed stone need to be free of pyrite? How can you tell the difference between pyrite and gold? What happens when you put pyrite under a slab of concrete? How is pyrite oxidized in quartz and calcite? What does pyrite look like in a pan When most of the dirt has been removed, shiny spots will appear on the bottom of the pot.

What's the difference between gold and pyrite? What are the healing properties of pyrite? What does pyrite symbolize? Can you wear pyrite close to your skin? What does pyrite look like under a microscope Fine, golden, hard or flaky pyrite can be mistaken for gold, but is easily distinguished by its black pyrite band and yellow gold band as well as the gold's low hardness and lack of brittleness.

What's the difference between marcasite and pyrite? Which is more malleable, pyrite or gold? What kind of rock is under a microscope? What does galena look like It has a pronounced silver color and a shiny metallic sheen. What are the uses of Galena? What are the properties of Galena? What is the luster of Galena? Can you tell the difference between pyrite and gold? What kind of pyrite has a rainbow shape?

Where are pyrite crystals found in the Earth? What are the physical properties of pyrite crystals? Where does the mineral pyrite get its name from? What does pyrite mean as a building block?

What is the common crystal size of pyrite found Pyrite is the most common sulfide mineral. Are there any other minerals that are similar to pyrite? What was pyrite used for in ancient times?

Where are pyrite crystals found in the world? What are the different sizes of Swarovski stones? Why do they call a Swarovski crystal a pearl? What kind of crystals are made of pyrite? Is the chemical formula for pyrite the same as marcasite? Crystal size definition The size of the crystals is smaller than the size of the grains or particles.

Which is larger a grain or a crystal? How is the size of a crystal determined? How to describe the population of a crystal? Which is a characteristic of the crystal growth process? Cooling rate and crystal size As the cooling rate increases, the size of the crystals decreases. How does the cooling rate affect the size of a crystal? What happens when the rate of cooling increases? How does the rate of cooling affect rock formations?

How big are the crystals when magma cools? What are some interesting facts about pyrite? What can pyrite be used for? Is pyrite a healing stone?

Iron pyrite cube These popular iron and pyrite cubes have a metallic sheen very similar to real gold, which is why they were nicknamed 'Fool's Gold'. Large pyrite cube cluster Large immaculate cube of pyrite in the Navajoon Matrix, Spain These are natural crystals of brilliant cubic pyrite still partially hewn from the rock at the famous Victoria Mine near Navajoon, Spain.

Pyrite cube metaphysical Pyrite is the solar plexus chakra stone of inner strength, self-esteem and confidence. What are the powers of pyrite? However if I was to do the same to a piece of gold it would leave a very obvious scratch on the surface.

Pyrite has the chemical formula FeS2, meaning it is made up of one iron molecule, Fe, and two sulphur molecules, S. These then combine to form the cubic structure. This is a single pyrite crystal which you can see forms a perfect cube. A cube is not the only crystal shape that pyrite can form, however, and it can form many other crystal shapes including pyritohedrons, a twelve-sided shape named after the mineral.

The cubic structure, while not unique to pyrite, is rarely this perfect.