Question

What are pyrites known as fool’s good?

(a) Because of sulfides

(b) Because of lead

(c) Because of carbonates

(d) Because of iron

The question was posed to me at a job interview.

This question is from P-Block Elements topic in section P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right option is (a) Because of sulfides

To explain: Pyrite is the general name for the mineral ore of sulfur. Two commonly known pyrites are iron-pyrite, FeS2 and copper pyrite, CuFeS2. They are often termed as fool’s gold because of the mineral’s metallic-brass like luster which closely resembles gold metal.