Fool's gold--iron pyrite--will react with Hydrochloric acid. Real gold does not.
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Real gold (Au) does not react with most chemicals due to its inert nature. Fool's gold (iron pyrite, FeS2) can react with oxygen and water to form iron oxide and sulfuric acid. In acidic environments, fool's gold can react with hydrochloric acid to release sulfur dioxide gas.
Citric acid does not react with gold. Gold is a noble metal, which means it is resistant to most chemical reactions, including those with weak acids like citric acid.
Fool's gold, also known as pyrite, does not contain any real gold. It is a mineral made of iron sulfide and has a brassy yellow color that can sometimes be mistaken for gold.
Use a magnet to see if the material is attracted to it, as real gold is not magnetic while fools gold (pyrite) is. Perform a streak test by rubbing the material on a piece of unglazed porcelain tile - real gold will leave a yellow streak, while fools gold will leave a greenish-black streak.
Real gold has a higher melting point than fools gold. By applying heat, it is possible to determine the melting point of the material. If the material melts at a temperature higher than 1,064 degrees Celsius (1,947 degrees Fahrenheit), it is likely real gold.
Fool's gold, also known as pyrite, is not real gold. It is a mineral that resembles gold in color and shimmer but contains iron sulfide. Real gold is a precious metal that is much denser and heavier than pyrite.