2007-11-23 07:42:37 · 7 answers · asked by janet_92807 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
It is a good question.
Yes
(1)In laboratory you can use magnetic separator.
(2)in field conditions you can pan and separate the two.
thnks
2007-11-23 12:51:08 · answer #1 · answered by mandira_nk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some much easier safer ways to tell the difference. No chemicals needed!
Visual clues -
Color:
Gold and pyrite both have a brilliant metallic luster, but are different tones of yellow. Gold is golden to silvery yellow, whereas pyrite is a pale to medium brassy yellow that sometimes tarnishes.
Shape:
Gold usually occurs in nuggets or very small flakes, sheets, and shapeless grains. Small cubic and octahedral (two pyramids with bases joined) gold crystals are very rare. Pyrite crystals commonly form cubes, octahedrons, or pyritohedrons (twelve irregular, pentagonal or five-sided faces), frequently with striations (parallel lines) on the crystal faces. Pyrite can also occur as shapeless grains.
Physical tests -
Hardness:
Scratch the mineral with the blade of a pocket knife. Rub off any loose powder to see if the mineral has been scratched. Gold is much softer than pyrite and can be cut. Pyrite cannot be scratched. (Beware - chalcopyrite looks similar to pyrite, but is softer and can be scratched with a knife. It is a very brassy yellow, often with a bronze or iridescent tarnish.)
Odor:
Rub the mineral vigorously with a hard object. Gold has no odor, but pyrite gives off a sulphurous smell (like rotten eggs).
Malleable:
Strike the mineral with a steel hammer. Gold will flatten or change shape without breaking. Pyrite will give off sparks.
2007-11-23 16:58:46 · answer #2 · answered by GambitGrrl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Panning, which will selectively wash out the lighter pyrite, leaving the gold behind. Takes some practice.
2007-11-23 08:17:43 · answer #3 · answered by Howard H 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Separating Gold From Pyrite
2017-02-28 11:05:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
#1. Find out which melts at the lowest temperature
#2. crush both as finely as possible
#3. Heat a container only to the lowest melting point
#4. Don't do this inside without proper ventillation
the gasses might be quite harmful
2007-11-23 07:58:43 · answer #5 · answered by canfield205 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Gold will dissolve into Mercury, iron will not.
Then the mercury can be distilled off and only pure gold will be left behind.
2007-11-23 08:27:46 · answer #6 · answered by WarLabRat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be separated by froath floatation
2007-11-23 17:27:33 · answer #7 · answered by R.K.Namitha N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋