How to Identify Real Pyrite – Fool’s Gold or the Real Deal?

Know Your Pyrite Before You Buy

Pyrite, also known as Fool’s Gold, is often mistaken for real gold due to its metallic luster. But this powerful stone has its own identity—especially in spiritual and healing circles. Whether you’re buying it for energy work or aesthetic value, here’s how to know you’re getting authentic pyrite, not a fake.

1. Appearance – Shine, Shape, and Surface

  • Real Pyrite has a brassy-gold tone, not too yellow like gold.

  • Look for cubic or blocky crystals. Pyrite often forms in sharp, geometric shapes.

  • Its surface should show metallic luster with subtle striations or ridges.

Fake pyrite (like dyed resin or glittery mix) often looks too smooth, shiny, or overly golden.

2. Weight – Heavier than It Looks

Genuine pyrite is denser than it appears. Hold it in your hand—it should feel solid and heavy. Fakes made from plastic or lighter minerals will feel oddly light.

3. Hardness Test – Scratch It Carefully

Pyrite scores 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

  • It cannot be scratched easily with a fingernail or copper coin.

  • But it can scratch glass.

Never use gold to test—it might damage both materials.

4. Streak Test – Use Unglazed Ceramic

Rub your stone on the back of an unglazed ceramic tile:

  • Real pyrite leaves a black or dark greenish-black streak

  • Fake pyrite or gold will leave yellow or no streak at all

It’s one of the most reliable tests used by gem collectors.

5. No Tarnish, No Rust

Pyrite is a stable mineral. It may dull over time but it doesn’t tarnish or rust quickly. If your stone starts turning green, reddish, or peels—chances are it’s not pure pyrite.

6. Price & Seller Transparency

Real pyrite isn’t overly expensive, but if it’s dirt cheap or unusually perfect, it’s probably fake. Trust reputable sellers like Tattv.org, who offer energy-cleansed, natural pyrite with full disclosure.

Final Tip: Trust Your Intuition and the Energy

If you’re spiritually sensitive, you’ll notice that authentic pyrite feels grounding and protective. It resonates with confidence, willpower, and inner strength. Fakes often feel dull or empty.


Shop real, energized Pyrite at Tattv.org and bring home the power of focus and protection—minus the foolery.

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