Gold vs Pyrite

Property Gold Pyrite
Công thức Au FeS2
Hệ tinh thể Cubic (Isometric) Cubic (Isometric)
Phân loại khoáng vật 01 Native Elements 02 Sulfides and Sulfosalts
Độ cứng Mohs 2.5-3.0 6.0-6.5
Màu sắc Golden yellow Pale brass-yellow
Ánh Metallic Metallic
Màu vệt Golden yellow Greenish-black to brownish-black
Độ trong suốt Opaque Opaque
Cát khai None Indistinct
Vết vỡ 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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