Malachite vs. Pyrite — What's the Difference?

Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. This opaque, green-banded mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses, in fractures and deep, underground spaces, where the water table and hydrothermal fluids provide the means for chemical precipitation.

The mineral pyrite (), or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2 (iron (II) disulfide). Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral.

A light to dark green carbonate mineral, Cu2CO3(OH)2, used as a source of copper and for ornamental purposes.

A brass-colored mineral, FeS2, occurring widely and used as an iron ore and in producing sulfur dioxide for sulfuric acid. Also called fool's gold, iron pyrites.

(mineral) A bright green mineral, a basic copper carbonate, Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂; one of the principal ores of copper.

(mineral) The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS₂), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.

A mild green colour, like that of the mineral.

(usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.

Of a colour ranging from olive-taupe to a mild to deeply-rich (at times seemingly translucent) green, like that of the mineral which is present on oxidized copper.

(usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metal dichalcogenide that is isostructural to the common mineral.

Native hydrous carbonate of copper, usually occurring in green mammillary masses with concentric fibrous structure.

A common mineral of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system; iron pyrites; iron disulphide.

A green mineral used as an ore of copper and for making ornamental objects

A common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color