What is the stuff that looks exactly like gold.. but isn't?

[Naynay]

Hi all, made it out to Tuena and then headed on to Oberon.
Did a few pans at Tuena and there was a few flakes in there that looked just like gold. The kids got all excited, but from the other small gold specks I have sitting in a jar, I know it just doesn't move when you swish it about. These flakes seemed a lot lighter. I have no idea what it is. Is it fools gold? or something else?

Thanks.

 

[Nugget]

Hey Naynay, unfortunately I don't think it'd be gold. There's a similar topic being discussed at the moment that might be of interest https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2927, it should give you some idea as to what it is.

 

[Naynay]

Thanks.
Yeah we found a little teeny piece and just watching the way it acted in water compared to the light stuff I figured it's not gold. Let the kids keep it though so they are happy having some 'gold' in a bottle

 

[Heatho]

Yeah just Mica Naynay.