Differences between gold and pyrite

Pyrite is a stone that has a golden appearance. Often confused with gold, it was nevertheless discovered by humans many years ago. Indeed, archaeologists believe that the discovery of fire is largely due to the properties of this stone. Its hardness and chemical composition made it possible to create sparks, and therefore to invent fire.

In Ancient Greece, pyrite was used to make jewelry. The luster of pyrite, its brilliance and its hardness were also used in religious services and the creation of mirrors.

A few centuries later, in the Middle Ages, alchemists tended to confuse pyrite and marcasine. The two minerals are very close, and marcasine transforms into pyrite when heated above 400°C. Then, during the American Gold Rush, explorers found both pyrite and gold. The resemblance between the two is found in the golden hue. However, unlike gold, the color of pyrite is milky, and tarnishes over time.

From the 20th century, and with industrialization, pyrite is used in the production of sulfuric acid, but also in old radio systems, where the ore makes it possible to vary the waves.

Pyrite is found in the different layers of the earth. Whether in sedimentary or magmatic strata, resulting from hydrothermal or metamorphic conditions, the exploitation of pyrite is necessarily done through mines. Finally, some meteorites also contain pyrite, alongside many other precious metals.

The name “Pyrite” comes from the Greek “pyrites” and “lithos”, two words which mean “firestone”. It was so called because of its ability to produce sparks when friction occurs.

This name was found in the writings of Dioscorides, a scholar and doctor of Antiquity. Later, pyrite was nicknamed “fool’s gold”. Indeed, when gold prospectors discovered golden stones, they thought they had found gold deposits. However, in most cases, it was not gold but pyrite that the adventurers extracted.

Others also speak of “the stone of the Incas”, or even of “the stone of health”. Pyrite is believed to have healing and well-being properties.

Pyrite is used for its many benefits. A symbol of vitality and good health, pyrite acts on the entire body and mind. People who are susceptible to respiratory problems can place a pyrite stone in a room to purify the atmosphere. On the other hand, pyrite confers hepatic and sugar regulation properties in the body, calms pain and promotes blood circulation. This is why lithotherapy uses pyrite in well-being sessions.

On the other hand, it is the ideal stone for becoming aware of oneself, one's limits, one's strengths and one's character. It allows you to work on your past, with the aim of beginning a journey of psychological healing.

Moreover, the virtues of pyrite are also found in cognitive abilities. This golden stone promotes concentration, memorization and daily organization. It protects from dispersion, and allows you to refocus on what you are doing by acting on the root chakra. In addition, its faculties activate the senses and develop creativity.

The pyrite stone can thus be placed on a desk, or on oneself. If you place it on your body, on your liver for example, the pyrite will be able to play its role as a regulator. Your body fills up with energy in just a few minutes.

One way to determine whether you are dealing with gold or pyrite is to test its hardness. Indeed, gold is a malleable precious metal, meaning that in its raw state, it can be worked and shaped to obtain leaves, blades, or even filaments. We then say that the hardness of the gold metal is between 2.5 and 3 on the Mohd scale. Conversely, pyrite is around 6 on this same scale. This means that pyrite is hard, even brittle.

When in doubt, there are several solutions that allow you to distinguish between gold and pyrite. First, you can try to put pressure on the stone. If it deforms, it's gold. Otherwise, the pyrite breaks into small pieces. This is why pyrite jewelry is more fragile. The drag test is also an effective and quick way to know the composition of the stone. To do this, use a streak plate and rub the object. In the event of a dark trace (colors going towards black), you are in the presence of pyrite.

Finally, pyrite has a weight greater than gold. This density is characteristic, and a professional can quickly determine the composition of the object, bracelet, pendant or any other piece of jewelry tested.

The origin of gold differs from that of pyrite. Indeed, gold is found by nature in the environment, in the earth's layers. It is an element (Au) which is used in the composition of other metals. However, gold exists independently, and its main characteristic is its stability. Pyrite, on the contrary, is an alloy, an aggregate of atoms. Pyrite is a mixture between iron and hydrogen sulphide. It is for this reason that pyrite is scientifically called iron sulphide (FeS2).

Finally, pyrite is recognizable by its sulfur smell. 

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