Pyrite is also known as “Fool's Gold” because of its brassy yellow color, which is very similar to gold. Although Pyrite looks like gold, its other physical properties are very different from gold. Pyrite is harder than gold (6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale), it is less dense, and more brittle. Pyrite leaves a greenish-black streak when tested while gold leaves a golden-yellow streak.
Pyrite is often associated with the presence of gold and copper, and locating fool's gold when prospecting may mean the real thing isn't too far off!
