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When looking for gold in Californiawhat chracteristics would be the best way to distinguish gold from pyrite?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
It can be identified in the field by the sulfur smell of the powdered mineral. Its metallic luster and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool's gold due to many miners mistaking it for the real thing, though small quantities of actual gold are sometimes found in pyrite. In fact, such auriferous pyrite is a valuable ore of gold.
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoGold and pyrite look similar, yes, but gold has a higher density than pyrite, this would make the gold heavier than a piece of pyrite the same size.
Also gold is also softer than pyrite. In the gold rush days, prospectors would often bite the gold with their teeth. True gold would then have teeth marks, pyrite would not.
These are two of the best characteristics to look at when you are comparing gold and pyrite.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agothe answer is streak have fun on study island
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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 the difference between pyrite and a pyrite cube?
Pyrite is the mineral whereas a pyrite 'cube' happens to be the habit in which the mineral has crystallised
Do people make pyrite with machines?
Pyrite is a mineral with the composition FeS2. To be a mineral, it must be naturally occurring.
Why is pyrite called fool's gold?
Fool's gold is iron pyrites, iron sulphide, FeS2. It is a sulphide mineral.
Does pyrite bubble when acid is droped on it?
No
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.
How streak is used to distinguish between gold and pyrite?
Gold will have a yellow metallic streak, pyrite will have a greenish-black streak.
Explain why color is not a good test for distinguishing between pyrite and gold?
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.
Is chalcopyrite and hematite and magnetite and pyrite magnetic?
some of our samples of pyrite are paramagnetic
How do you mine pyrite?
By Mining and just by looking for it (in certain areas).
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.
Where can you take your rock with precious metal in it to determine if it is real gold or fools gold?
If you possess gold (or iron pyrite) ore, it should be immediately clear whether gold or iron pyrite is present. You should be able to distinguish which of the two you have. Real gold is rounder while pyrite is more angular and sharp. Gold is relatively softer and more malleable than pyrite. Gold leaves a golden residue instead of a dark green/black residue as left by pyrite. Google images is a good resource for differentiating the visual contrast of the two.
What is the difference between pyrite and a pyrite cube?
Pyrite is the mineral whereas a pyrite 'cube' happens to be the habit in which the mineral has crystallised
Name things made of pyrite?
pyrite is made of FeS2
Is weight a physical property that enables miners to distinguish between real gold and fool gold?
No, the physical property is DENSITY. Iron pyrite is less dense than gold.
What cleavage does pyrite have?
What cleavage does pyrite have
Is pyrite a mineral or non mineral?
No. Pyrite is a compound composed of iron (a metal) and sulfur (a nonmetal).
