Erica...pyrite is also better known as fools gold because of its close appearance to real gold. It forms naturally like this piece pictured. Real gold also forms close to pyrite veins as well...so I wouldn't be surprised if this rock also has very small traces of real gold in it as well. Nice auction...good luck!
ericalynnlove, fools gold aka pyrite aka iron pyrite is a mineral, i think. minerals are inorganic compounds that occur naturally. rocks are comprised of minerals. ...mind you, this is from like 5th grade science and that was a very long time ago for me, so my memory could be rusty. Drewsie, this is nice, especially with the free shipping as some of your auctions look like they could cost a bit. my little granddaughter collects rocks, so definitely watching.