Gold vs Pyrite

Property Gold Pyrite
화학식 Au FeS2
결정계 Cubic (Isometric) Cubic (Isometric)
광물 분류 01 Native Elements 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts
모스 경도 2.5-3.0 6.0-6.5
색상 Golden yellow Pale brass-yellow
광택 Metallic Metallic
조흔색 Golden yellow Greenish-black to brownish-black
투명도 Opaque Opaque
벽개 None Indistinct
단구 Hackly Conchoidal to uneven

Key Differences

  • Pyrite (fool's gold) has a greenish-black streak; gold has a golden-yellow streak — the definitive field test.
  • Gold has a much higher specific gravity (up to 19.3) versus pyrite (4.95–5.10).
  • Pyrite is harder (6–6.5) than gold (2.5–3); gold is easily scratched with a knife.
  • Pyrite forms distinctive cubic or pyritohedral crystals; gold occurs as irregular nuggets, flakes, and dendrites.
  • Pyrite is brittle and breaks into fragments; gold is extremely malleable and ductile.

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