Question

Pyrite is called "fool's gold" because it's looks a lot like gold. Which properties can be used to tell gold and pyrite apart?

Answer 1

Density, streak, and geochemical signature through use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Answer 2

Answer:

On the basis of physical and chemical properties, pyrite can be differentiated from real gold.

Explanation:

Some properties which can be used to differentiate pyrite from real gold are given below:

i) Real gold is made of same kind of atoms while pyrite is made of combinations of atoms like Iron and Sulphur.

ii) Pyrite is lighter in color than real gold.

iii) When we heat pyrite and real gold, both show different colors at higher temperatures.  

iv) Pyrite is less dense and harder than real gold.

v) Real gold has weight 1.5 times than that of pyrite.