I think I've hit a big spot in my backyard where a stream is flowing down these gold nuggets . ? I need to know how to tell from Gold from Pyrite?
If it is I think I maybe rich .. $_$
2007-09-04 05:32:19 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
One simple way to tell (works for me anyway)....Pyrite is sulfur laden, breathe on it, it you detect a sulfur odor (rotten eggs) then all that glitters is not gold
2007-09-04 05:39:24 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pyrite Testing
2016-12-15 04:11:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pyrite has scent of sulfur, therefore the first thing is to smell it.
Strike it against steel, as pyrite has been known to create sparks when struck with steel.
It is also paramagnetic, might be measured with the right instruments.
HNO3 might be used. Gold does not dissolve in HNO3 readily, whereas Fe compounds can dissolve in it.
Anway, there is a possibility for a small amount of gold to come bundled with pyrite.
Good luck
2007-09-04 05:46:31 · answer #3 · answered by Bananaman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are 3 possible tests: hardness, fracture, & density
Pyrite is harder than gold and will shatter to pieces when hit
by a hammer; gold will not break but will squash down like
lead or putty. Also, real gold is incredibly heavy; its density is
19.3 grams per cc, much more than pyrite, which weighs
about 5 grams per cc.
Hope this helps.
2007-09-04 14:38:50 · answer #4 · answered by Reginald 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, the scratch test. I would take a look at the individual crystals. If they are perfect squares then it is pyrite. Another test is the hammer test. Try hammering it. If it becomes thin and stretched out: gold. If it shatters: pyrite. Another test is weight. If it seems really heavy for its size, it might be gold. In all tests, assume it is pyrite till proven otherwise.
2007-09-04 10:30:34 · answer #5 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try to melt a small piece in a pot on the stove. Gold will melt at stovetop temperatures. Fools' Gold does not melt until it reaches 1177°C to 1188°C. Your stove won't get you there.
2007-09-04 06:26:02 · answer #6 · answered by PoppaJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hhmmm do you have a picture of this nugget?
pyrite looks a little different from a gold nugget
it has cubes in it, its just how its formed like this
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Pyrite_foolsgold.jpg/781px-Pyrite_foolsgold.jpg
or well...you can just bite down on it and if it leaves a mark then its pretty much gold
2007-09-04 06:47:08 · answer #7 · answered by metal gear 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the easiest way would be to scratch it with the back (rough side) of a tile. if it leaves a dark streak, it's pyrite. if it leaves a gold streak, gimme a call... :D
2007-09-04 08:03:57 · answer #8 · answered by wini_da_cutie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
pyrites is magnetic
2007-09-04 06:15:56 · answer #9 · answered by rosie recipe 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The same question pops up again
2016-08-24 14:35:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋