Gold in Pyrite

Pyrite cluster

Pyrite, commonly known as “fool’s gold,” is often found in association with small, sometimes minute, quantities of real gold. While not every pyrite deposit contains gold, it is a common host mineral for gold in many ore deposits globally, making it a valuable indicator mineral for prospectors.

Gold in Pyrite

Pyrite cube

Gold Concentration in Pyrite

The concentration of gold found in pyrite is typically very low, but its presence is common in gold-bearing regions.

• Average Concentration: On average, pyrite contains approximately 0.25 parts per million (ppm) of gold, which is equivalent to 0.25 grams of gold per 1 million grams of pyrite.

• Economic Viability: This is a much lower concentration than what is typically considered economical for conventional gold mining, where ores usually range from 1 to 5 ppm.

• Occurrence: The gold is often not visible to the naked eye; it is incorporated into the pyrite’s crystal structure as “invisible gold” or as tiny inclusions of metallic gold.

Types of Association

Pyrite ($\text{FeS}_2$) and gold ($\text{Au}$) often form together because they are precipitated under similar hydrothermal conditions. Gold can be associated with pyrite in two main ways:

1. “Invisible Gold” (Sub-microscopic): The gold atoms are structurally bound within the pyrite crystal lattice. This gold is the hardest to extract and requires advanced processing techniques like pressure oxidation or bio-leaching.

2. Visible Inclusions: Less commonly, gold may occur as tiny, distinct particles or flakes trapped within the pyrite crystals or along their grain boundaries.

⛏️ Mining Significance

Despite the low concentration, pyrite is still considered an important source of gold.

• Indicator Mineral: Since pyrite is the most abundant sulfide mineral and frequently forms alongside gold, its discovery is a strong sign that a potential gold deposit could be nearby.

• Extraction: Modern advances in metallurgy, such as selective leaching and atom probe tomography, are making it increasingly possible to efficiently extract the gold trapped within pyrite, turning certain pyrite deposits into a valuable resource

Gold in Pyrite

• #######

  • Visit our gold prospecting site to view of collection of natural gold nuggets,

    silver and many other unique precious metals collectibles and great gift ideas:

     https://california-gold-rush-miner.us

    A few examples from our site:

    High Grade Silver Ore Slab

    

    silver slab – example only

    Nice sawn vein specimen of fresh, unaltered high grade silver ore from the world-class Cobalt Ontario deposits. Sawn on one side only.  The deposit was described in Mineralogical Record, Volume 43, Number 6.  In general, veins are predominantly composed of carbonates (calcite and/or dolomite) with arsenides and sulpharsenides of Co, Ni and Fe with native Ag and Bismuth.  Most of this material has been squirreled away in collections by now, although specimens do occasionally come to market.

    

    There are a few of these silver slabs available. The very bright silver really makes this piece stand out, but, unfortunately makes it all so hard to photograph. As an example the one pictured above is 66 grams.

    

    Silver, Bornite

    There are a few of these beautiful native silver w bornite specimens available. Here is a 2 inch x 1 inch, Apx. 17.5 grams – Native Silver on Bornite thumbnail specimen from San Martin, Mexico. As an example the one pictured above is 17.5 grams. 

    Avon Gold Rush Collectible stein

    

    1987 8 1/2” tall  San Francisco Gold Rush Handcrafted in Brazil for Avon. Each one of is individually numbered (#32017) this is the last one. $35.

    For further information on these: seo711@gmail.com

    All the items shown here are very limited and subject to prior sale without notice.

    #######

    Also see the most expensive type of gold nuggets, the Crystalline Gold Nuggets

    

    Crystalline gold

    Subscribe to our Youtube Arizona Gold Prospecting channel

    Click Here for great Gold Prospecting Equipment Deals

    • • DISCLAIMER:

        Some of the links in this description and in our videos may be affiliate links, and pay a small commission if you use them, but never increase the basic cost. I really appreciate the support. The content in my Youtube videos & blog posts SHALL NOT be construed as tax, legal, insurance, construction, engineering, health & safety, electrical, financial advice, prospecting or other & may be outdated or inaccurate; it is your responsibility to verify all information. I am a not financial adviser. I only express my opinions based on my experiences. Your experience may be quite different. Investing of any kind involves risk. While it is possible to minimize risk, your investments are solely your responsibility. You must conduct your own research. There is NO guarantee of gains or losses on any investments. My produced videos are for entertainment purposes ONLY. DO NOT make buying or selling decisions based on these videos. If you need advice, please contact a qualified CPA, attorney, insurance agent, contractor/electrician/engineer, financial advisor, or the appropriate professional for the subject you would like help with.

      • Keep in mind land use and land boundaries are constantly changing,  before going to a unknown location you must do extensive research not only into the current weather conditions, access and current land status.  Keep In mind private property owners and mining claim owners do not take kindly to trespassers and or claim jumpers. Always follow local laws and regulations related to prospecting and land use. Regulations and restrictions are constantly changing on BLM lands, State lands, National Monuments  and tribal lands. It is your responsibility to totally investigate any potential prospecting area  prior to heading out.  Failure to do so, could not only result in massive fines but also imprisonment and confiscation of all your equipment.