What is the difference between fool's gold and real gold?

Answer by  John (9008)

Fool's gold, also known as iron pyrite, and regular gold are two totally different metals. They look a lot alike, and it is hard to tell them apart if you are not an expert. However, fool's gold is a completely different metal and is quite common. It is also nearly worthless.

Answer by  Marsha (2337)

Fool's gold is gold in color but is not real gold and is not the same thing as real gold at all. It's gold colored which fools people.

Answer by  GinaD (400)

Fool's gold does look like real gold. It is a substance called iron pyrite. Real, pure 24 karat gold, has a rich yellow gold color and is very soft and malleable. You may recall in movies seeing someone bite down on a gold coin to see if it was real. If it left a mark, it was real gold.

Answer by  Zoso (869)

Fool's gold is a mineral, iron pyrite, that resembles the color and glint of true gold. Materially they're totally different, and iron pyrite cannot be hand-worked like gold, but you might be more interested in their monetary value. Gold is currently worth something around $950 per ounce and rising; iron pyrite is essentially worth $0. Sorry.