It is a deep red to greenish black mineral which crystallizes in the trigonal system.

It was first described in 1890 from an occurrence in the Harstigen Mine, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden.

[3] Its name was derived from the Greek πΰρ, fire, and φαίνεσθαι, to appear, because of the deep red color of the mineral.

It also occurs in granite, amphibolite and serpentinite as an uncommon accessory mineral.

Associated minerals include ilmenite, geikielite, hematite, spinel, gahnite, chromite, magnetite, ganophyllite, manganophyllite, hendricksite, garnet and calcite.