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Is Iron pyrites magnetic

Updated: 9/17/2019
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Wiki User

12y ago

Best Answer

No.

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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.

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Wiki User

11y ago
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