Pyrite, also known as "fool's gold", is a hard, metallic, brass-yellow mineral that's often mistaken for gold. Its chemical formula is FeS2, and it's the most common sulfide mineral in the Earth's crust. Appearance and properties: Pyrite's golden luster and metallic sheen come from its sulfur and iron content, respectively. It's often well-crystallized, forming cubes, octahedrons, and pyritohedrons.