Geologists may have found 'Fool's Gold' in Nellore

Nellore: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) found traces of iron sulfide in a village in the Udayagiri area in the Nellore district. The iron sulfide is assumed to be Pyrites known as Fool's Gold due to its glittering nature.

According to a senior geologist of GSI, they have been conducting studies all over India to identify minerals and other substances. In such a study, geologists in Nellore found iron sulfide. Though they haven't confirmed whether it is Pyrites, sources said it might be mineral pyrite or iron pyrite. These studies have been conducted in the region for the last three years and there have been no traces of gold or copper so far.

Geologists are sending samples to officials in Hyderabad for observation. They will confirm whether it is Pyrite or any other iron sulfide.

What is Pyrite

Pyrites were applied to several stones that would create sparks when struck against steel during Roman times. In south Australia, the Kaurna people use Pyrite with flintstone and a form of fuel made of stringybark to start fires by a traditional method.