How Much Is Pyrite Worth?
Also known as Fool's Gold
Pyrite ('fool's gold') is inexpensive: raw chunks and tumbled stones sell for $2–$25, while well-formed natural cubes, dollar-flat 'pyrite suns,' and large display clusters from Spain or Peru reach $30–$300+. Value comes almost entirely from crystal form and aesthetics — sharp, naturally cubic crystals with bright metallic luster are prized, while massive or crumbly pyrite is cheap. Spanish cubic pyrite (Navajún) is the benchmark for collectors. Pyrite is not a precious metal and has little intrinsic material value, so a specimen's worth is about how striking its crystals and matrix are, not its weight.
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Pyrite value by type
| Type | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Raw / tumbled | $2 – $25 |
| Natural cubes (small) | $10 – $60 |
| Spanish cube clusters | $30 – $300+ |
| Pyrite suns / rare forms | $25 – $200 |
Educational ballparks for typical specimens — not a formal appraisal.
What drives pyrite value
- Crystal form. Sharp natural cubes and pyritohedrons command premiums.
- Luster. Bright, untarnished metallic shine beats dull/oxidized.
- Origin. Navajún (Spain) cubes are the collector benchmark.
- Matrix. Attractive crystals on natural matrix add value.
Is your pyrite real?
Pyrite is real but often confused with gold. Gold is soft (Mohs ~2.5–3), heavy, and leaves a yellow streak; pyrite is hard (6–6.5), brittle, and leaves a greenish-black streak. If it crumbles, scratches glass, or streaks dark, it's pyrite — not gold.
FAQ
- Is pyrite worth anything?
- Modestly — most pieces are $2–$25, but sharp natural cubes and fine Spanish clusters reach $30–$300+.
- How do I tell pyrite from real gold?
- Gold is soft, very heavy, and streaks yellow; pyrite is hard, brittle, and streaks greenish-black.