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Since pyrite (a.k.a. fool's gold) and gold have the same color, it can be very difficult to distinguish between them. A very accurate way to distinguish them is by streaks.

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Q: Explain why color is not a good test for distinguishing between pyrite and gold?
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How do you tell the difference between gold the metal and pyrite also known as fool's gold?

To tell the difference between pyrite and real gold, you can check the color and shape of the ore. Gold and pyrite have a yellowish color but pyrite has a pale and brassy color compared to gold. Pyrites are shaped more like crystals while gold tends to form as a nugget. Another difference between the two is that gold can be scratched with a pocketknife while pyrite cannot be scratched. You also can use the malleability and odor tests.


Is gold different from fool's gold?

Yes! Fool's Gold is actually called Iron Pyrite. It is cubic formed iron based crystal that is is a yellow to brass color. It is reflective giving you a "shiny" appearance. Gold on the other hand is a brighter yellow and is the same brightness whether it is in the shade or in the sun! If you shade pyrite with your hand, it will go dull. Gold will stay Yellow! I should also mention, if you hit pyrite with a hammer or another rock, it will shatter or break. Gold should just flatten out. Here is a comparison picture between Pyrite and Gold - http://www.homegrownfun.com/wp-content/uploads/smaller-gold-and-pyrite-400x300.jpg


What mineral has a yellow color metallic luster hardness of six and greenish black streak?

Sulfur and gold are both yellow minerals. Topaz is a yellow gemstone, which I believe would also be considered a mineral. Pyrite, more commonly known as "fools' gold" is also yellow, and is technically an iron sulfide. Yup! SULFUR!


What is the mineral that leaves a grey streak and is metallic?

Hematite can appear gray in color, but will exhibit a reddish to rust-colored streak.


What refers to the color left behind when a mineral's is rubbed across and unglazed porcelain plate?

Which mineral leaves a green-black powder when rubbed against an unglazed porcelain plate?

Related questions

Explain why color is not a good test dor distinguishing between pyrite and gold what test is most reliable dor identifying these two minerals?

Because they look alike


Explain why the color is not good test for distinguishing betweenpyrite and gold?

Both have the same color and metallic luster. Pyrite is called "fool's gold" for that reason.


Describe why color and streak are useful in identifying pyrite?

Pyrite's color is extremely similar to that of gold. However, the streak of pyrite is black. This can be used to distinguish it from gold.


What color is the streak of a pyrite?

the color of crushed pyrite is a greenish brown. Compared to gold which is gold.


What do color blind people have colors distinguishing between?

nothing just hope by melia harris


Why do color blind people confuse between red and maroon?

Because they are color blind: That's what the term means - difficulty distinguishing between different colors.


What mineral property can be used to distinguish between pyrite and chalco pyrite?

Pyrite also known as "fool's gold" is a mineral that has both a different chemical, morphological and physical characteristics than gold. Gold is denser (i.e. the same size of gold is much heavier than the that of pyrite). Gold's average density is 17.64 g/cm3 while Pyrite's density is on average 5.01 g/cm3. The chemical formulas are different. Gold's chemical formula is "Au" while Pyrite's is and iron sulfate mineral with a formula of "FeS2". The color is also different, gold appears the color of gold while pyrite is more bronze in color. The crystallographic form of the minerals also vary. Gold is a very soft mineral while Pyrite is much harder (gold has a hardness of 2.5 while Pyrite is 6.5). To distinguish between a sample of each, you could scratch the surface of gold using your fingernail which you would not be able to do with pyrite. You can try to scratch it because pyrite or fools gold much harder then gold so if it doesn't scratch that much it is most likely pyrite or fools gold. You can tell them apart by looking at their reflection and streak. Also, gold is much more dense than pyrite, so the same volume would 'weigh' about 3.5 times more. Gold has a hardness of about 2.5, while pyrite is about 6 (Gold is softer and more malable). Streak is used to distinguish between Gold and Pyrite.


Which mineral has a bluish gray in color?

pyrite


Is pyrite black?

No, pyrite is a golden yellow cubic crystal. This color is why it is commonly called "fools gold".


What colors does pyrite come in?

Pyrite ranges in color from dull and brassy to shiny yellow-gold.


The streak of which mineral is different from its external color?

Pyrite


Which mineral has a streak different from its external color?

pyrite