HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOLD and PYRITE

[@karhukivi]

If you think the brassy colour of pyrite is gold, then you haven't seen gold in the pan! When you do see gold, there is no doubt about it.

[@AzharyRahim]

I like his energy hahaha

[@ACR329]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! I recently found about a bucket of gold rocks. Some of the pieces looked like they were going to come off. So I tried to scrape them off, but nothing happened! They're gold!!!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

you betcha

[@Danhurd]

Hi Jeff, Thanks for making all these videos, it's a great resource. Is there anything a hobbyist miner can do to get the gold out of know gold bearing sulfides? If so may I suggest you do a video on the methods. In my personal case it is tetradymite (gold-bearing bismuth telluride). Thanks again.

[@ronniep777]

Dan Hurd hi

[@EnergyTRE]

Nice.. look at you now Dan!! 🥳🥳

[@Danhurd]

Thanks for the great response. If I do this all successfully will the remaining gold be able to be separated out in a gold pan? Or will it be too fine?

[@wh5321]

Hey Jeff. Another way to tell the difference between gold and pyrite is in the sun light and shadows. When sun shines on gold and pyrite they both look like gold but cast a shadow on both of them and the gold stays gold color while the pyrite changes color

[@robertob4524]

True

[@mikemayorga3099]

Lights go out

[@nusquamesse1248]

Or you could hold a lit match to it for a few seconds. Pyrite will blacken, gold won't.

[@cuzucogaming4754]

Nathan Caravaggio 2018!!!!!!

[@marxxpham1578]

Or that

[@teresafeagin3750]

Thanks

[@TheHuntermj]

Make sure you wipe off the soot before throwing away the sample tho lol

[@tamras8088]

@ Nathan Caravaggio thanks for the helpful info!

[@stephenlentsa7479]

Watching the video with a smile throughout! His energy is contagious

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@74KU]

I found this interesting as I had to develop these ways of telling myself as I don't notice the colour difference being red green colour blind. It is amazing what you don't think about.

[@wamexng3583]

Great Jeff! A really important distinction to make (differentiating between pyrite and gold). Thanks for making it fun to watch.

[@michswags]

This cleared up ALOT for me and my young nephew....these topics are a healthy and invigorating past time...Glad to see you are so enthusiastic..we are too!! Good vid!!

[@railroad13]

He’s definitely cool and very entertaining reminds me of an old friend of mine he’s just having fun doing what he does and that’s great

[@markothwriter]

In my area, central Montana, gold travels with and in pyrite in many cases. I have one specimen with gold and pyrite in quartz that's worth a lot more than the weight of the gold.

[@michellefuller9611]

Thank you! Can’t wait to try my rocks out.

[@vincedunn9983]

Six year s after its posted I'm just now seeing it and still educating those that are interested in knowing.

[@calvinshort9391]

Nicely done with humor. “It’s Hammer time.” 😂 I love it Jeff

[@bobski1976]

HI Jeff, Recently I went panning here in Scotland. on a hill where there is a gold mine. there was quartzite veins literary every you looked and lots of quartzite lying around all over the place. We picked a place high up the mountain not far from the gold mine. our panning may need practice as we found nothing when we panned. but there was an amazing amount of pyrite everywhere also. My question is pyrite as fine dust. is it still good looking we collected a few rocks to bring home and crush. even when you pick up one of the rocks and then look at your hands. Its like you have dipped your hand in a bag of glitter. lots of small qaurzite and lots of gold looking stuff that is about the size of a grain of dust. the mine reckon the vein the are tapping has about 4 tons of fine gold in. our gold here is 22k was my first time. still not crushed the rocks still not sure if we got anything. Thanks bob

[@Askjeffwilliams]

bobski1976 Iwould use Jet Dry to break the surface tension of the water to get that fine Gold to drop and then use a Jewelers loop to identify the fines of Gold. Then Tap you r Gold to the top of the pan and suffer it out. It is ready to be smelted. Jeff and Slim

[@uncletom6758]

I always wondered what happened to that fella out of Blazing Saddles, the one who shouted 'the sherrifs comming'.... 😉

[@aaronbelle4156]

"THE SHERIFF IS NEAR"!!!!!

[@rickseifert5139]

Basic scratch / streak test on host rock or bigger bits. Pyrites will give a black streak most times, Gold gives a shiny streak and curls.

[@jesse7603]

Could you tell Maybe by the smell? My pyrate / gold stinks on my quartz Maybe I can tell by the smell? I'm going to put a torch to it too. Thanks

[@Iedit4life]

Love the energy!😊

[@barnzman1]

What is the difference in density? Will I find pyrite in the bottom of my pan next to the real shinny?

[@rcs368]

This guy is fun with a great attitude & more importantly, knowledge . His personality really grows on you as you watch more of his videos. This video is pretty old, but check out his newer videos. He upgraded his camera, editing skills, and has become pretty popular in Gold Mining related videos. Most Important...He is very entertaining!!

[@mariacervantes6951]

I have dirt with Gold flakes, how can I get the gold out?

[@911mining]

Most gold we find is found with pyrite or chalcopyrite. We rarely find free gold, only at a couple of our minesites and placer claims.

[@danielmiller2977]

if I find a cliff of all pyrite, is it worth looking into?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

yes

[@EtherDais]

Can you comment more on gold traveling with pyrite? Under what circumstances might this be worth investigating?

[@EMW_Music]

Will iron pyrite stick to a magnet?

[@douglaspinsak1246]

"It's so hot I had to start a fire over there just to cool off" lol

[@allada9590]

I found alot of pirate in a creek and want to know if there is gold in it? I burned it and I see little specs that looks like gold but can't tell if it is.

[@keithRR2023]

Can you put vinegar on iron pyrite and will it change color? I’ve got what I think is gold on quartz and put a drop of vinegar on it and no changes in color or anything else

[@YeshuaT-bm6ss]

Of course you would be the first KZbinr that pops up when I want to see the difference between gold and pyrite!!❤ I pretty confident on the two of them but I recently found a specimen that I'm having trouble with. It comes from a gold producing area and it is definitely gold ore because it was found next to old mine thank you again for your great videos ❤

[@camcoder7247]

How much red boll did you had in the morning ?

[@alvinuselton912]

I love watching your old videos as well. You are very informative

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Glad you like them!

[@anabeleumaguecanete6311]

this dude is full of energy..cheers sir

[@meldeweese6875]

What type of Iron Pyrite is best for making the best spark to use for fire making?!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Pyrrhotite

[@danielcane4390]

Thank you ima go planning tomorrow I'm so happy thanks for teaching me Ice been watching Jeff's videos since they ever came out that prospectors teachin kids how to get em fine gold.

[@triple_A_rockhound]

goodone jeff how offen dose gold hang with it

[@tinacartee5555]

If one of the ways to tell the difference between gold and pyrite is to hit it with a hammer because gold is soft and will just flatten out but pyrite with crumble into pieces....then where does gold dust come from? Seems like gold wouldnt break down into a fine powder if it only flattens and bends.

[@Damenblack]

You know that you've made a good series when you already have 20 views an hour after you posted at 2am on a Saturday morning lol. You have great videos and character to boot. Thanks for all the helpful tips, my father and I are getting into the hobby very soon ourselves. Many good finds to you sir!

[@sherrielder2563]

Ok so I did your Hammer test!!!!!! my little pieces consolidated and became shiner and flat.. ?? GOLD?? or could this be Brass..? what else will form together like your example?? this is from a rock.. I pulled at a piece of a chunk and it flaked off.. when I put it in a little pile.. It smashed together and became shiner?? NOW WHAT??

[@JaayyMan]

Is this the gold version of old Gregg?

[@altarush]

Does idol made of iron pyrite sparkle or shine in artificial light like a flashlight? Or gold?

[@caracaes]

What if you have fine gold and fine pyrite? You won't be able to see the micro gold bending and the pyrite might be too small to shatter. How do I know what's coming in my pan isn't powdered pyrite but powdered gold.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

use Jet Dry to prevent them from floating and then use a Jewelers loop ( 10x ) or stronger. You will see theGold if any is there. JS

[@tickertape27]

Hey @Jeff Williams could you make a video showing us how you melt and refine your gold? Love your content!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

actually we already have

[@tickertape27]

@@Askjeffwilliams could you link me plz?? Looked couldn't find it

[@Askjeffwilliams]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5i3ooeAeq-JlZo

[@catherinematlock4271]

Can gold run with mica.

[@bradbrad4377]

What is the name of these stones, from which gold is extracted, and do you have a picture of it?

[@nathanwhited9798]

Hey there I need some help I was walking down the creek looking for a new deer stand spot happen to look down and seen gold all over the ground and in the creek sitting on the bottom of the creek walked about 50 yards it was nothing fall back up to it still looks like gold I'm not sure it's in a lot of the courts rocks all over that Creek can't tell if it's pyrite or gold I need help

[@sparkynm156]

Isn't there something about the appearance in light and shade ?

[@richardattemborg2823]

Would a gem tester test the gold and pyrite?

[@danielhartley6223]

I absolutely love his enthusiasm and he just taught me how to tell gold from fools gold.

[@ericmc4408]

Does gold lay on the top on the rock or is that pyrite?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Gold will form on the outer lattices of the Sulfide complex if any at all

[@HandyTim]

I've found some clay that's full of gold flakes is that iron pyrite or should I seperate it from the clay and melt it together to see if it's soft or shatter?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

a Jewelers loop will tell you after separation.

[@chimpchowder5774]

Tim Whit yeah Jeff is right. If you are still not sure take a pocket knife and scratch it! Look at it close and see if it scraped up like peanut butter or just fractures. Gold is super soft and pyrites are brittle. some pyrites also have gold. Those you have to cook with a hot fire or tortch for about 30 minutes then pan it and look for small BBs of gold! Always test your pyrites for gold. Some are very rich.

[@abdualrhmanali7318]

thank you man, you are a really exceptional geologist love from SUDAN, by the way, am a geologist too ..

[@distortedfate1281]

you said gold travels with pyrite so over thousands of years it may be deposited in the same place?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

yes but remember that Gold dose not always travel with Gold and if it is oxidized then then the Sulfur will be gone and the Gold and iron will be left behind . Gold rides an Iron Horse. JS

[@tanksoldier9770]

Always great to watch again thanks TANK

[@HamiltonTitus]

Your voice makes me happy, man.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

me too....

[@jennifernelson4903]

Jeff, I'm a big fan! I don't have solid gold OR solid pyrite to crush but I have a question. I took a hammer to a few large (10÷15lb) pieces of quartz n got about 6 golf ball sized rocks with each one having 1 to 3 spots with1/2 inch or so of beautiful, thin layered gold! Every rock with this layered gold is pure white. There is no black or green n the only flaking is the gold which doesn't look tarnished or yellow. I flaked off about a tablespoon or 2 of this gold n a few crumbs n mixed it with the white powder (brain fart) n smelted it n poured it into a small bar mold. When it was just hard enough, I broke it. What I got was an odd shade of green glass looking stuff with yellow hues. How disappointing! What did I do wrong?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

sounds like you may need a different type of flux for your smelting

[@foxmulder7616]

What if the gold is super thin flakes on quartz/chalcopyrite? Can pyrite be bright yellow like 24karat?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

it can have a Bronze look to it

[@stalionnnnn1]

That cleared things up on which is which...Thanks Jeff....keep making these great vids..

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Thought that might answer a few questions and thanks for the comments too. Jeff

[@stalionnnnn1]

you bet ya

[@redfoot69]

Does pryite have any commercial use since its a iron dirretive

[@Askjeffwilliams]

mostly the extract the Sulfur from it .....unless other minerals are present in large quantities....

[@Ghost.xxxxxmsh]

sir i am facing type 3 alopacia problem what should i do to prevent firther lose ?

[@kbs1212]

This was actually so helpful. Thanks Jeff.

[@hamerray]

Can certain types of pyrite be non-magnetized.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

yes

[@hamerray]

@@Askjeffwilliams Thanks. I do have a couple pieces of Pyrite and they are not magnetized.

[@lighttheoryllc4337]

There IS GOLD inside some Iron Pyrites It needs processed out

[@ружаИлиева-ы1ъ]

Hi i have a question as i have a simple of quartz which is old and big as my hand and 1kilogram and 10grams heavy.. Have same yellow things, how to know if it is gold???!

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Gold bends and Pyrite breaks ....Gold looks yellow in the sun and shade and pyrite does not

[@joedrainer7149]

I think it's funny but all so good when it comes to gold

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Wouldn't the iron pyrite also be magnetic? Whereas gold is not?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

not so much

[@WA0UWH]

Jeff, I love your videos, and realy like your style which adds rich athication and fun to your message. Heck, I may even try my hand at Gold Pan Sampling here in the Pacfic Northwest. Thanks.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Hi Eldon Thanks for the comments, it was our pleasure. Jeff

[@صادقابنصادقالاصادق]

@@Askjeffwilliams وين ارابط

[@michaelzuniga8344]

Your subscribers should be atleast double brotha. Keep up the good work

[@vkizior1]

the hammer never liessssss

[@rockcena8844]

I have small golden colour one obeject it is not gold or other metel I don't know what is this it is shiny it is found in large rock plz tell me what is this???

[@munchkinsmunchkin]

I love your videos mate..... I'm from Australia and I found a large fist sized quartz crystal covered in what I thought was gold...... I took it to the local jeweler to ask about it. The big boss wasn't in until the next day but the worker I spoke to told me that I had found gold but to go back the next day to be sure. I went home all excited and Google how to tell the difference (your video wasn't up at the time) I found that if you poke a pin into pyrite the pin head will break off and with gold the pin will go into it. To my utter disappointment the pin head broke off but I still took it back the next day and it was confirmed that it was only pyrite but it was a very good specimen. I still have it to remind me how close I came to finding GOLD. Lol Your videos make me laugh as well as learning things Keep it up mate :D

[@Askjeffwilliams]

after a while you will be able to spot all the different sulfides in a second. JS

[@charlesosare3667]

What about some shiny sheet-like sabsatances on some rocks

[@Timesmanify]

Hello Jeff. I'm a beginner panner and I have a question. I dug up a bucket from my yard and i've been practicing panning. I've been filtering for a few days and I seem to come up with a lot of tiny golden dust. I've been doing my best to get down to the black sand, and dumping left overs into another bucket for final filtering. But now i'm concerned I may just be digging up a "powder" keg of pyrite. I have notice these flakes floating away when cleaning but now i'm kinda hesitant to throw out most of it left in the pan. So I wonder, how will I be able to tell the difference between any gold and pyrite when working with the final filtering? And I am doing my best to get as much light material out of it. Oh one more thing, I live in an area known for large quartz deposits. Not sure if that means anything but thought I mentioned that. Gold is found in the area as well.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Timesmanify Welit sounds like either Pyrite or Mica in your pan. What I would do is use Jet dry in he water ( couple squirts should do ) and then get a small Jewelers loop ( 10x ) or stronger. Look at the specs at the top curve of the pan as this will be the heaviest. You will be able to see Gold from Pyrite this way and if you need a reference I have several vids on what it looks like. Jeff and lim

[@Timesmanify]

Thank you for the info. I'll check up on that.

[@Timesmanify]

Well looks like I got nothing but a concentrate of pyrite. Can't say though that I am disappointed. I did it to learn how to pan in the first place. And in a few days I've gotten better at getting to down the black sand quicker and more confidently. Anyway thank you for the help you and your vids gave me. Maybe I can find the real stuff someday soon. Got to figure out where to try next with some research. Later.

[@jesussanchez1704]

Question I have a nugget that looks like pyrite but I doesn't stick to a magnet

[@Askjeffwilliams]

crush and pan

[@karhukivi]

Neither gold nor pyrite are magnetic. Squeeze it with a pliers, the gold should flatten but the pyrite will crumble.

[@sharonscraftroomgrieswell8922]

Cool Thanks for the info. Sure did help we really enjoy your videos. We always get a kick out of them.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

+Sharon Grieswell Thanks Sharon and thanks for watching , me and Slim like to know that someone is watching us. Jeff and Slim

[@jamacmaxmedcumar8197]

Haaa

[@BigDaddyKai620]

I really enjoy your videos. Great job brother 👍

[@jacobwithrow8859]

I'm very new to this and have spent a few bucks to have the tools I need to collect and filter but I'm only getting flakes my question is where to look I use the old stream but I dont get large nuggets

[@alikreay5101]

I loved it you are the only one i found that actually explains the things simple so one can understand not like the ones that take an hour and wants you do go threw all the tests which isn't necessary... looks like i might of found me some real and fool gona check them right now, thanks will ke watching for more simple learning🖒🖒🖒

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks and glad you like our style

[@pchamilton2011]

Very good bud, I'm learning a lot on your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@brianevans1851]

Still haven heard anything about the 200 bag paydirt giveaway either but I can't afford to be a patron supporter but I would like to see how much his paydirt bags cost Jeff Williams is awesome great vids I've learned a lot watching

[@twistedthrifterb6220]

I live in Montana we found gold in mine tailings sometimes.It sucks having a bad back I miss running all over rock hounding. Thanks Jeff .Can I make a suggestion?? I love what you are doing but for some reason perky people annoy me.Chill a little Marijuana helps me.lol

[@Askjeffwilliams]

Then you would love Slim

[@lewismaker895]

Well what about using a magnet? Won't " Iron Pyrite" stink while Gold won't?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

not always

[@realityisreal3928]

The best way to tell is to pass a shadow over the two. pyrites will shine in the light but quit shining when in shadow. Gold always glows weather in sun or shadow.

[@adamini9312]

Your youtube show is wonderful, I really want to pan for GOLD, but I'm in South Florida Where do I look?.

[@I.Live4oldcars.prospecting]

Very interesting. I learnt alot. Thanks Jeff

[@bhanu8120]

Hi Jeff ur video is really fabulous, I want know how We test original pyrite or duplicate pyrite at home?

[@bhanu8120]

Jeff will you please send me your mail id

[@bhanu8120]

Jeff I have some doubts regarding pyrites that's why I am asking your mail id

[@drfiberglass]

When I was in my 30's I had that much energy but sadly those days are long gone. Keep up the good work Jeff...

[@Askjeffwilliams]

T H Thanks and we will, cause if I don't then I hear it from Slim. Jeff and Slim

[@Seeds-Of-The-Wayside]

I got fooled the other day. I had a nice little picker specimen in My Pan, but when I rubbed it on a porcelain streak test plate, I got a black mark. Bummer.

[@Askjeffwilliams]

whaaaaah whaaaaaaah

[@zeelowsguys]

Is gold found underneath pyrite?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

it ca be found on the outer lattices of the structure itself ....

[@dr.mikejohnson571]

LOVE ur great energy, jokes and mannerism.. don't change a thing man 😆😆👍👍

[@Askjeffwilliams]

thanks

[@bellatype6351]

What are the chances that when I smash my pyrite rock it turns into gold?

[@juntaxrvtwinsii8135]

Sir I have Pyrite Here how much is the Value??

[@Askjeffwilliams]

+Juntax RVTWINS II you will have to send it in to be assayed for that info. Jeff and Slim

[@juntaxrvtwinsii8135]

ok sir thanks..

[@donnyracer8317]

Hi Jeff does gold mix with pyrite and is it hard to extract.i have some pieces of pyrite 50 to 75lb each pure

[@Askjeffwilliams]

the Gold .... if present .....will form on the outer lattices of the Pyrite structure. ..only roasting will remove the Sulfur

[@tiamariaelizabeth]

best way to teach love your upbeat attitude and learned something new so cool

[@waltperko8389]

Is iron pyrite magnetic?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

weekly

[@waltperko8389]

@@Askjeffwilliams Hi, I like that you got the joke! At first I was thinking of asking if a magnet would attract the material since it's iron, but then I realized that the color attracts the searcher.

[@catiresaba9767]

but how can you tell which is which when you see it in a river and it all in flake form or you find some gilded powder on your mesh

[@sierrabravo7368]

pyrite floats, Gold sinks

[@catiresaba9767]

thanks

[@myname1989]

If it's true that sinks into sand then I know a hidden river in Mexico that's filled with it .

[@stevenvanames-we2dd]

Most of the pyrit I FOUND when I was building bridges were In flakes OF mica and one place when borring case on tubes up came big chunks of LIME STONE with big peaces OF gold colored mica useally about 125 TO 150 feet DOWN

[@rosscota8745]

Question jeff you said gold. And pyrite go together so how do you seperate gold that lives in pyrite?

[@Askjeffwilliams]

made a vid on it.