Pyrite is an iron disulfide distinguished by its pale, brassy-yellow color and metallic luster. Despite its appearance, it is easily distinguished from real gold through several physical tests:
: When scraped against unglazed porcelain, pyrite leaves a greenish-black streak , while real gold leaves a golden-yellow streak . Fools Gold
: Pyrite is much harder than gold, rating 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale . It is brittle and will shatter if struck, whereas gold is soft and will indent. Pyrite is an iron disulfide distinguished by its
: Derived from the Greek word pyr ("fire"), pyrite produces sparks when struck against steel, a property used by ancient civilizations for fire-starting. Geological Formation and Occurrences It is brittle and will shatter if struck,
Pyrite forms in a wide variety of environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The Many Faces of Fool's Gold | American Scientist
Beyond the Deceptive Luster: A Brief Study of "Fool's Gold" (Pyrite) "Fool's Gold," scientifically known as ( FeS2cap F e cap S sub 2