How Can You Tell the Difference between Mica Flakes
#0183;#32;If you poke pyrite or mica flakes with a pin, they will usually break apart into even smaller flakes, whereas gold will dent and spread like soft lead. Rub the flakes between your fingers. If they disintegrate, they arent gold. If youre gold panning, pyrite and mica are much lighter than gold and will usually float out in the panning process.