Gold vs. Pyrite — What's the Difference?

A dense, soft, shiny yellow metallic element, highly valued for jewelry and investment.

Often found in crystal form, displaying cubic or octahedral shapes.

Chemically inert, meaning it resists corrosion and tarnishing.

Used industrially to produce sulfur dioxide for sulfuric acid.

Traded globally as a commodity; often bought during times of economic uncertainty.

An iron sulfide mineral, known for its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue.

Commonly used in electronics due to its excellent conductivity.

Brittle and can easily shatter, contrasting with the malleability of gold.

Malleable and ductile, making it ideal for crafting fine jewelry.

Prone to oxidation, forming rust-like iron oxides over time.

Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. In a pure form, it is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal.

The mineral pyrite (), or iron pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is an iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS2 (iron (II) disulfide). Pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral.

A yellow precious metal, the chemical element of atomic number 79, used especially in jewellery and decoration and to guarantee the value of currencies.

A brass-colored mineral, FeS2, occurring widely and used as an iron ore and in producing sulfur dioxide for sulfuric acid. Also called fool's gold, iron pyrites.

A deep lustrous yellow or yellow-brown colour

(mineral) The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS₂), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.

Coins or other articles made of gold

(usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.

The bullseye of an archery target.

(usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metal dichalcogenide that is isostructural to the common mineral.

Symbol Au A soft, yellow, corrosion-resistant element, the most malleable and ductile metal, occurring in veins and alluvial deposits and recovered by mining, panning, or sluicing. A good thermal and electrical conductor, gold is generally alloyed to increase its strength, and it is used as a common monetary standard, in jewelry, for decoration, and as a plated coating on a wide variety of electrical and mechanical components. Atomic number 79; atomic weight 196.967; melting point 1,064.2°C; boiling point 2,856.0°C; specific gravity 19.3; valence 1, 3. See Periodic Table.

A common mineral of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system; iron pyrites; iron disulphide.

Coinage made of this element.

A common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color

A gold standard.

Money; riches.

A light olive-brown to dark yellow, or a moderate, strong to vivid yellow.

Something regarded as having great value or goodness

A medal made of gold awarded to one placing first in a competition, as in the Olympics

Having the color of gold.

(uncountable) A heavy yellow elemental metal of great value, with atomic number 79 and symbol Au.

A coin or coinage made of this material, or supposedly so.

(uncountable) A deep yellow colour, resembling the metal gold.

(countable) The bullseye of an archery target.

(countable) A gold medal.

(figuratively) Anything or anyone that is very valuable.

A grill jewellery worn on front teeth made of gold.

Made of gold.

Having gold of gold.

(of commercial services) Premium, superior.

Of a musical recording: having sold 500,000 copies.

In a finished state, ready for manufacturing.

To appear or cause to appear golden.

Of or referring to a gold version of something

An old English name of some yellow flower, - the marigold (Calendula), according to Dr. Prior, but in Chaucer perhaps the turnsole.

A metallic element of atomic number 79, constituting the most precious metal used as a common commercial medium of exchange. It has a characteristic yellow color, is one of the heaviest substances known (specific gravity 19.32), is soft, and very malleable and ductile. It is quite unalterable by heat (melting point 1064.4° C), moisture, and most corrosive agents, and therefore well suited for its use in coin and jewelry. Symbol Au (Aurum). Atomic weight 196.97.

Money; riches; wealth.

A yellow color, like that of the metal; as, a flower tipped with gold.

Figuratively, something precious or pure; as, hearts of gold.

Coins made of gold

A deep yellow color;

A soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent and univalent) metallic element; occurs mainly as nuggets in rocks and alluvial deposits; does not react with most chemicals but is attacked by chlorine and aqua regia

Great wealth;

Something likened to the metal in brightness or preciousness or superiority etc.;

Made from or covered with gold;

Having the deep slightly brownish color of gold;

Yes, gold is much softer (2.5-3 on the Mohs scale) compared to pyrite (6-6.5).

Pyrite is sometimes used in jewelry but is less desirable due to its brittleness and tendency to oxidize.

Gold has a softer, more yellow appearance, while pyrite is more metallic and brass-like.

Gold is chemically inert and does not react easily with other elements, preventing tarnish.

No, despite its appearance, pyrite is not nearly as valuable as gold.

Gold is mined either from lode deposits by drilling and blasting or from placer deposits by panning and sluicing.

Yes, gold is an excellent conductor of electricity, which is why it is valuable in electronics.

Investors value gold for its monetary stability and intrinsic value, unlike pyrite.

Pyrite is primarily used in the manufacture of sulfuric acid and as a source of sulfur.

Simple tests like hardness, streak, and specific gravity tests can help distinguish them.

Pyrite dust can be harmful if inhaled, and its oxidation can lead to environmental hazards.

Pyrite has been involved in various mining scams due to its deceptive gold-like appearance.

The price of gold is influenced by supply, demand, and global economic conditions.

Pyrite oxidizes, forming iron oxides and sulfate, which can lead to acid mine drainage.

Gold has been a symbol of wealth, power, and status across various cultures and ages.