eannis6 9 Posted July 1 Hello everyone, I am very new to your forum! I enjoy various Internet forums however, including arrowhead and fossil forums. Anyway, I was wondering if you all could tell me what this gold colored material is on this stone I found. Is this a little gold, pyrite, or something else? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eannis6 9 Posted July 1 7 minutes ago, homefire said: NOT GOLD. Thanks homefire, what is it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeoJack 576 Posted July 1 Calcopryite probably. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisski 556 Posted July 2 Easiest way to tell its not gold is take a pin to it and if it crushes, not gold, and if it is slightly malleable, possibly. Another way to tell for sure is to crush it to dirt and pan it. My samples I take I crush in a mortar and pestle and then pan it. Every once in a while a minute speck of gold comes out. Mostly I just get plenty of exercise. Definitely does not look like gold. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Au Seeker 2,142 Posted July 2 On specks as small as you have in that rock it will be hard to test the possible specks with a pin with any accuracy or even trying to crush them, a tell tale sign if it's possible gold is to look at the specks in bright sunlight, and then while still looking at the specks shade them with your hand, if possible gold they will look very much the same in the shade as in the sunlight, if pyrite or chalcopyrite the specks will not look the same and will most likely appear to be gray to brassy in color, gold has a golden glow all of it's own in bright light or shade, if the speck changes color/golden glow at all most likely not gold. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Morlock 766 Posted July 2 Well, whether the "gold" is chalcopyrite, pyrite or some other sulphide, it could still carry a very small trace amount of gold in it. You'd have to have an assay done on it and that would destroy the specimen. Best to enjoy it as is. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
homefire 2,439 Posted July 2 (edited) Old Indian Trick. Lick it. Smell It. If it has the smell of sulfur it's Pyrite. Edited July 2 by homefire 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eannis6 9 Posted July 2 You all have helped me very much. I will try all that you have mentioned. I also believe I may try to get further into this hobby when I have the time. Thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
middleforkminer2 285 Posted July 3 On 7/1/2018 at 9:54 AM, homefire said: NOT GOLD. If it WERE gold, it wouldn't be just a "trace" amount.....it would be very high grade ore... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
