fool's gold

American  

noun

1. iron or copper pyrites, sometimes mistaken for gold.

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fool's gold British  

noun

1. any of various yellow minerals, esp pyrite or chalcopyrite, that can be mistaken for gold

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fool's gold Scientific  

/ fo̅o̅lz /

1. Any of several minerals, especially pyrite and chalcopyrite, sometimes mistaken for gold.

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Etymology

Origin of fool's gold

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

We pause this 17-4 sprint by the Clippers, who are passing teams and headed for playoff contention, for this message from Steve Ballmer and Lawrence Frank: “This is fool’s gold. We’re trading away our top players. The season is officially over.”

From Los Angeles Times

The numbers: The trade deficit fell a few months ago to a 16-year low, but it was fool’s gold.

From MarketWatch

While Venezuela’s mineral industry may turn out to be fool’s gold, the rest of the region could well be the golden goose investors are looking for.

From Barron's

Three weeks ago I wondered if the Lakers were the real deal or fool’s gold.

From Los Angeles Times

Looks like they were indeed fool’s gold.

From Los Angeles Times