Fools Gold

In is not unusual for a beginner to start asking himself about the difference between gold and other metals found on the streambed and lode deposits. Sometimes, beginners get confused by some brilliant rocks that many times are iron pyrites (Fools Gold), which is normally taken for real gold. In fact, there is a story about a complete cargo of iron pyrites that was shipped to England in the 1500s in the belief it was real gold. So you must understand the origin of the term “Fools Gold”.

Gold is a yellowish-bronze colored metal. Once you have seen his metal in its natural state a few times, you will never have difficulties identifying it from others that are commonly related to gold.

Gold has similar appearance to a rock, it has a metallic appearance. If you are just beginning and have not yet had the opportunity to see much gold in its natural state, there are three tests that can easily proof the discovery in someway or another.

Gutter Test
Gold does not shine. Its glitter is sometimes very acute and sometimes it is very gloomy, but it rarely shines. What happens with fools gold (pyrites or mica) is that due to its crystal clear structure it tends to shine. Take a sample and put it on your hand looking towards the sun. If it is gold the metal will continue with its usual glitter while moved towards different directions. A piece of fools’ gold will shine in each position in which its different crystal sides are exposed to the sun, which will reflect the light differently in each one.