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

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

Gold is denser than pyrite and has a distinct yellow color, while pyrite has a brassy yellow color and a metallic luster. Additionally, gold is malleable and can be scratched with a knife, while pyrite is brittle and cannot be easily scratched. Conducting a streak test can also help differentiate between gold (leaves a gold streak) and pyrite (leaves a greenish-black streak).

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

Weight, Golf is heavy.

Answer 7

pyrite forms crystals where gold forms nuggets

Answer 8

Streak it