Key Features of Fools Gold Cluster

Appearance

• They have a metallic and brassy appearance, often with a glistening luster.

Crystal Shape

• Pyrite crystals are typically cubic, but can also be octahedral.
• A cluster is a grouping of these crystals, often interconnected.

Hardness

• Pyrite is relatively hard, scoring between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Streak

• When rubbed against an unglazed ceramic streak plate, pyrite leaves a greenish-black to brownish-black streak.

How to Distinguish from Real Gold

Hardness

• Pyrite is much harder than gold.
• A fingernail can scratch gold (Mohs hardness of about 2.5), but not pyrite.

Streak Test

• Gold leaves a yellow to brassy gold streak, while pyrite leaves a dark streak.

Crystal Formation

• Gold is rarely found in distinct crystals, whereas pyrite often forms beautiful, well-defined crystal shapes like cubes.

Other Facts

• Pyrite has historically been used as a fire starter and was also used to make mirrors.
• It is a source of sulfur dioxide, which is used to make sulfuric acid.
• Pyrite can contain microscopic flecks of real gold, making it an indicator for gold prospectors.

Sizes may vary due to the natural order of the crystal itself. The Crystal in stock is similar to color or size.