Gold Vs. Pyrargyrite

Gold is a very popular mineral composed of gold.^[1] Pyrargyrite is a popular mineral and its chemical composition is silver antimony sulfide.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Gold and Pyrargyrite

For a quick recap of the differences gold and pyrargyrite:

• While both gold and pyrargyrite is opaque, pyrargyrite can be translucent or transparent.
• For chemical formulas, gold is Au while pyrargyrite is Ag3SbS3.
• While both gold and pyrargyrite is metallic, in terms of luster, pyrargyrite can be adamantine or submetallic.
• Gold streaks golden, golden yellow or yellow while pyrargyrite streaks purplish, purplish red or red.
• Gold can be commonly yellow while pyrargyrite can be commonly gray or red.
• Gold's specific gravity is higher than pyrargyrite - gold ranges from 15.5 to 19.3 and pyrargyrite is 5.85.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Gold and Pyrargyrite

The similarities of gold and pyrargyrite include:

• Gold's rarity is similar to pyrargyrite.

Summary of Gold

Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Gold is a precious metal that has been used for currency, jewelry, and decoration for thousands of years. It is also used in electronics, medicine, and as a conductor in space vehicles and satellites.

Summary of Pyrargyrite

Pyrargyrite is a mineral that is commonly known as ruby silver or dark red silver ore. It is a silver sulfosalt mineral that is composed of silver, antimony, and sulfur. Its chemical formula is Ag3SbS3, and it has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3. Pyrargyrite is a rare mineral that is often found in hydrothermal veins associated with other minerals like quartz, galena, and sphalerite.

Table Comparison of Gold vs Pyrargyrite