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Mineralogists often use the physical properties of minerals to identify them. The most reliable test in order to identify a mineral is the test for hardness.

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Q: What test is most reliable for identifying pyrite and gold?
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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


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.


What is a common name for pyrite?

One of the most commonly known forms of iron sulfide is iron pyrite. Another common name for this compound is fool's gold.


Can fools gold be found in granite?

Fool's gold is the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite. Pyrite is sometimes called Fools Gold because of its similarity in color and shape to Gold. The last thing you want is to be considered a fool the next time you go gold-panning. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals which is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2. Sometimes real gold is embedded in pyrite formations but this mineral is usually found associated with other sulfides or oxides in quartz veins, sedimentary rock, and metamorphic rock, as well as in coal beds and as a replacement mineral in fossils.


What is the difference between iron and iron pyrite?

Iron is composed only of the element Fe (iron). Iron pyrite (most correctly referred to as pyrite) is a mineral composed of Fe and S (sulfur).


Is Iron pyrites magnetic?

No. ----------- Well, maybe and maybe not. Not ALL pyrite is magnetic, but some is. That said, Iron Pyrite, or fool's gold, can be tested for by a malleability test. Using a pin, or a pocket knife, try to cut or 'stab' the sample in question. If it bends to the point or blade, it is most-likely gold. If it shatters or breaks, it is most-likely either Iron Pyrite or Mica. In 20-years of hobby-prospecting, the pocket-knife test is the best. That, and visually inspecting in direct sunlight where possible. Gold will have luster in and out of direct sunlight. Iron Pyrite will not display luster out of direct sunlight. Final test for Iron Pyrite is Specific Gravity. Gold is 19.3, while Iron Pyrite is 5 (+/-0.1). With a pan, you can easily differentiate Iron Pyrite from Gold by stratification in a soil sample.


What elements does pyrite contain?

pyrite, or " fools' gold " is a compound made up of two elements.


What is the most unreliable characteristic of a mineral?

Color, due to the effects of impurities, is the least reliable identifying mineral characteristic.


Is pyrite gold valuable?

Most pyrite is not valuable (I have heard estimates of 50 cents (USD) per gramme). Some pyrites contain traces of gold that increase its value, but it is mainly used for industrial extraction of sulphur. Large, perfectly cubic crystals of pyrite are valued by museums as exhibits.


Where can you find pyrite.?

Leadville, Colorado is one of the most common places that pyrite can be found.


Where is pyrite located?

'Pyrite' is the name of many minerals found on Earth. The most common and famous is 'Iron Pyrites', or 'Fool's Gold', because, to the untrained eye, it looks like gold. However, its appearance is slightly cuboid, where as true gold is more rounded in appearance.


Did the English settlers find sliver and gold in Jamestown Virginia?

john smith gold was fond in Trinidad and Tobago