How Do You Tell Fools Gold From Real Gold?
Fool’s gold is a mineral which looks like gold, but has distinct properties which can help distinguish it from real gold easily. The term ‘fool’s gold’ comes from the times of the Gold Rush, when miners and prospectors thought they’d found gold while prospecting but what they’d actually found was iron pyrites or fool’s gold as it came to be known later. In spite of the superficial similarities in appearance, it is quite easy to identify one from the other with the help of a few tests. To find out what methods can be used to tell the real thing from the imposter, read through the steps described below. Step 1: Color. Pyrites or fool’s gold has a lighter-yellow color with a distinctive brassy sheen. Real gold, on the other hand, has a more silvery appearance, giving the gold a dull sheen. Step 2: Odor. Iron pyrites has a strong component of sulfur which gives it the typical smell of rotten eggs. Gold does not have sulfur and therefore becomes easy to identify. Step 3: Magnetic attraction
