Cinnabar vs Pyrite

Property Cinnabar Pyrite
Công thức HgS FeS2
Hệ tinh thể Trigonal Cubic (Isometric)
Phân loại khoáng vật 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts
Độ cứng Mohs 2.0-2.5 6.0-6.5
Màu sắc Scarlet red, brownish-red Pale brass-yellow
Ánh Adamantine Metallic
Màu vệt Scarlet Greenish-black to brownish-black
Độ trong suốt Translucent Opaque
Cát khai Perfect prismatic {1010} Indistinct
Vết vỡ Conchoidal to uneven Conchoidal to uneven

Key Differences

  • Cinnabar (HgS) is the mercury ore; pyrite (FeS2) is the most common sulfide — different metals entirely.
  • Cinnabar has a vivid scarlet streak; pyrite has a greenish-black to brownish-black streak.
  • Cinnabar (specific gravity 8.1–8.2) is far denser than pyrite (4.95–5.10).
  • Cinnabar forms near volcanic hot springs; pyrite occurs in virtually all rock types.
  • Cinnabar has trigonal crystal structure; pyrite is cubic.

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