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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.

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9y ago
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7y ago

The easiest way would be to strike it with a hammer. Pyrite will shatter and gold will not. There are also differences in weight (gold is much heavier), chemical composition, crystal structure, and streak color, but a hammer works well and doesn't require too much expertise.

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15y ago

There are differences in weight, streak, melting point, hardness and other characteristics that make it fairly easy to distinguish. The easiest way to determine which mineral it is, is probably by streak test. Rub the mineral across the unglazed side of a porcelain tile's surface. Pyrite will leave a greenish-black streak. Gold would leave a yellowish-gold streak.

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14y ago

Perform a streak test of the mineral by drawing it on the surface of an unglazed porcelain tile. If it is pyrite, the streak will appear greenish black.

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12y ago

Weight, Golf is heavy.

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Lvl 2
1y ago

pyrite forms crystals where gold forms nuggets

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10y ago

Streak it

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Q: How do you tell the difference between gold the metal and pyrite also known as fool's gold?
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Related questions

What type of iron is known as fools gold?

Iron Pyrite.


What mineral is found in the northern Piedmont province is known as fools gold?

Fools gold is iron sulphide (FeS2) or also known as pyrite.


What is another word for fool's gold?

Fools' gold is also known as iron pyrite.


Is fools gold a mixture?

Yes, fool's gold, also known as iron pyrite, is a mineral that consists of iron and sulfur. It is not a mixture but a specific mineral.


What mineral is sometimes confused with gold?

Iron Oxide. Pyrite is known also as "Fool's Gold"


What minerals found in the northern Piedmont is known as fool gold?

Fools gold is iron sulphide (FeS2) or also known as pyrite.


What is the chemical name for fool's gold?

Fools gold is commonly known as Iron Pyrite which is Iron Disulfide - FeS2.


What is fools gold chemical formula?

The chemical formula for fool's gold, also known as iron pyrite, is FeS2.


What is fools gold rock made of?

Fool's gold, also known as pyrite, is a mineral composed of iron disulfide. It has a metallic luster and is often mistaken for real gold due to its similar appearance. It can be found in various rock formations and is commonly used in jewelry and decorative items.


What is fool's gold made of?

Fools gold is known as iron pyrite


What is the common nickname for iron pyrite?

The common nickname for iron pyrite is "fool's gold" due to its resemblance to real gold.


What are facts about pyrite?

Pyrite is a mineral known as "fool's gold" due to its gold-like appearance. It is composed of iron and sulfur, with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite can be found in a variety of environments, including sedimentary rocks and hydrothermal veins.