‘Fool’s Gold’ is not so foolish after all

Curtin University research has found tiny amounts of gold can be trapped inside pyrite, commonly known as 'fool’s gold', which makes it more valuable than its name suggests.
This study, published in the journal Geology in collaboration with the University of Western Australia and the China University of Geoscience, provides an in-depth analysis to better understand the mineralogical location of the trapped gold in pyrite, which may lead to more environmentally friendly gold extraction methods.
Dr Denis Fougerouse from Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences said this new type of ‘invisible’ gold has not previously been recognized and is only observable using a scientific instrument called an atom probe. He said the team also explored gold extraction methods and possible ways to obtain the trapped gold with less adverse impacts on the environment.
“Generally, gold is extracted using pressure oxidizing techniques similar to cooking, but this process is energy-hungry. We wanted to look into an eco-friendlier way of extraction,” Dr Fougerouse said.
“We looked into an extraction process called selective leaching, using a fluid to selectively dissolve the gold from the pyrite. Not only do the dislocations trap the gold, but they also behave as fluid pathways that enable the gold to be “leached” without affecting the entire pyrite,” he added.

Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished