Versus - Pyrite & Gold

Choice: B

Choice: A

VERSUS

In the first edition of versus we have two mineral specimens.  One is gold, and one is pyrite.  Can you spot the difference?  To a geologist this is an obvious question, but to someone who slept their way through science class this could be perplexing.  And (although it will probably never happen) if someone came up to you on the street offering a "good deal on gold" would you know you were being scammed?

So for all you playing along at home, Choice A is Gold, and Choice B is pyrite.  Congratulations you can now tell them apart in the blink of an eye.  Wait you can't?  You want to know more about what makes them different?  Well okay then.

Gold:  Au

- isometric shape, meaning it doesn't form normal shapes.  

- much softer than pyrite (A 2.5 - 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness)

- more yellow in color

- is malleable (meaning you can mold it into other shapes without breaking it)

Further Information

Pyrite: FeS2
- Distinguished from gold by its perfect shape.  Pyrite typically grows in a cube shape.
- is harder than gold (A 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness)
- Brassy color that is less yellow
- is brittle (Meaning it will tend to break apart)
Further Information

So now that you know the basics you can look that salesman in the eye and tell him exactly where to put his pyrite!  Well that is if someone ever comes up to you looking to sell gold.