re-appears upon the surface of the cooled metal, but of less intensity. This fact proves without doubt that the iron exists in the precious metal, and the rose film (iron oxide) was not applied externally.

--------------------

Pyrite or Pyrites is a term applied to iron disulphide when crystallized in the cubic system.

Gold is often present in pyrite, and in many gold-mining districts the precious metal is obtained mainly from auriferous pyrite. As pyrite, from its brass-yellow colour, is sometimes mistaken for gold, it has been vulgarly called "fools gold". (Encyclopaedia Brit., XIVth Ed., Vol. 18, p.798).

--------------------

Another interesting feature of this rose coloured gold is that it may possibly enable us to distinguish the ornaments especially made for sepulchral purpose from those for ordinary daily use. For this delicate rose-coloured film upon the gold, by being so easily worn off, would hardly be of any permanent use for everyday wear (Author's note).

(August 30, 2008)

Back to Gold (TAA i.3.14).