The Misunderstanding of Pyrite The mineral commonly known as "fool's gold" is pyrite, a shiny, brass-yellow sulfide mineral that often resembles real gold. This resemblance led to significant historical misunderstandings, particularly during the time of Spanish colonization in pre-Columbian America. The Spaniards, captivated by its luster, mistakenly believed it to be a valuable metal and stole large quantities from the indigenous peoples.
Despite its misleading appearance, pyrite has been valued for its own unique properties. It has been used in various applications, including jewelry, as well as in industrial processes and even as a source of sulfur for sulfuric acid production.
