LithoMap

Mineral identification comparison

Pyrite vs. galena: how to tell them apart

Pyrite and galena are metallic sulfides that can form cubes and occur together, but pyrite is brassy yellow, hard, and poorly cleaved while galena is lead-gray, soft, extremely dense, and perfectly cleaved into cubes.

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Brassy metallic pyrite crystal specimen
PyriteSulfide mineral · FeS₂Photo: Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
Silvery-gray galena specimen showing prominent cubic crystal faces
GalenaLead sulfide · PbSPhoto: U.S. Geological Survey · Public domain
Quick answer

The most useful distinction

A cube alone is not enough. Pyrite scratches glass and may show striated crystal faces; galena is scratched easily, feels unusually heavy, and breaks along smooth right-angle cleavage planes.

Side-by-side evidence

Pyrite and Galena comparison table

PropertyPyriteGalenaHow to use it
ColorPale brass-yellowLead-gray to silvery grayFresh color separates typical specimens immediately.
HardnessMohs 6 to 6.5; scratches glassMohs about 2.5; scratched by copper or steelThe hardness gap is large and dependable on clean material.
Form and cleavageCubic crystals common, often striated; cleavage poorCubes and blocky fragments from perfect cubic cleavagePyrite cubes are growth forms; galena cubes commonly repeat as cleavage fragments.
Streak and densityGreenish- to brownish-black streak; moderately denseGray-black streak; exceptionally denseHeft strongly supports galena, while streaks require close comparison.
Field sequence

A practical identification sequence

  1. 1

    Observe fresh color and check cube faces for striations.

  2. 2

    Test whether an inconspicuous clean edge scratches glass.

  3. 3

    Inspect existing breaks for repeated smooth right-angle cleavage steps.

  4. 4

    Handle the specimen as lead-bearing if galena remains possible.

Limits and cautions

Where the distinction gets difficult

  • Pyrite and galena can be intergrown with each other and other sulfides.
  • Do not crush or grind either mineral; galena dust contains lead.
  • Sulfide mine waste can generate acidic drainage and contain additional toxic elements.

Use several independent observations. This comparison supports preliminary field identification, not laboratory confirmation, appraisal, proof of origin, or collecting permission.

Common questions

Pyrite vs. galena FAQ

Why can both minerals form cubes?

Both crystallize in the cubic crystal system, but pyrite’s cube is usually a crystal-growth form while galena also breaks repeatedly along cubic cleavage.

Which mineral is heavier?

Galena is much denser and typically feels conspicuously heavier than an equal volume of pyrite.

Can pyrite be gray?

Tarnish and lighting can dull pyrite, but a fresh surface is characteristically brass-yellow rather than lead-gray.

Source basis

Authoritative sources

LithoMap wrote this comparison in original language from the physical properties and geological concepts supported by these public scientific references.

Editorial review: September 17, 2026.

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