<p>Pyrite is a ubiquitous sulfide mineral found in diverse geological settings and plays a crucial role in mineralization processes and various environmental issues. Recent advances in micro-analytical techniques and data-driven methodologies have significantly propelled pyrite research, highlighting its growing importance in both geochemistry and materials science. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of global pyrite research, this study employs bibliometric tools to trace the evolution of the field, offering an extensive overview of publication trends, research collaborations, and emerging research frontiers. Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we analyzed 20,629 publications sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning the period from 2005 to 2024. The analysis focused on the intellectual foundations, thematic shifts, and the increasing interdisciplinary nature of pyrite studies. Our findings indicate a notable transition in pyrite research from traditional geochemical studies to a more integrated approach, encompassing environmental remediation, materials science, and nanotechnology. Key research hotspots identified in the analysis include pyrite’s role in acid mine drainage, the development of pyrite-based nanomaterials for energy applications, and its geochemical signatures in ore-forming systems. Additionally, the study reveals a significant rise in international collaborations, particularly between China and Western institutions, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to pyrite’s applications. The analysis also highlights China’s dominance in publication volume, while Western countries contribute substantially to the field’s intellectual impact. This study provides valuable insights into the global landscape of pyrite research and identifies key future directions, particularly the integration of pyrite in environmental and energy-related technologies. Ultimately, the findings underscore pyrite’s evolving role as a bridge between geology, materials science, and environmental engineering, offering new perspectives on sustainable resource development and remediation. While the analysis is global in scope, the results also highlight national differences in publication output, funding support, and international collaboration patterns.</p>