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How to Know If You Discovered Gold Nuggets

Fool's gold, or pyrite, has been confused with real gold for centuries. The explorer John Smith once sent a shipload of it to England in the 1600s after thinking he had struck gold exploring the Chickahominy River region in Virginia. But don't despair. There are several ways of telling the difference between real gold and pyrite.

Things You'll Need

Pocket knife
Steel hammer
Hard surface

Instructions

- 1
  Examine a sample of your find. Both gold and pyrite have a brilliant shine but are different tones of yellow. Gold has a silvery tone while pyrite has a brass-colored undertone.
- 2
  Check the shape. Gold usually forms in nuggets or small flakes, sheets or tiny grains. Pyrite usually forms into cubes, octahedrons or other flat-sided shapes.
- 3
  Carefully scratch the surface of your find with a pocket knife and remove the dust. Gold is softer than pyrite and can be cut or scratched.
- 4
  Rub your find vigorously on a hard surface, taking care to be aware of any smell produced. Gold is odorless but pyrite may produce a sulphurous or egg-like smell.
- 5
  Finally, tap the surface with a steel hammer. Because gold is softer than pyrite it will dent or change shape without breaking when struck. Pyrite will keep its shape and sometimes spark.

Rocks & Minerals