Fool's gold may be valuable after scientists make 'unexpected' discovery in ... trends now
Fool's gold could kick off this century's 'gold rush' after scientists discovered it contains a highly coveted metal needed to produce greener energy.
Scientists at West Virginia University discovered a surprising amount of lithium in 15 rock samples of pyrite, the common mineral that resembles its valuable counterpart, which formed about 390 million years ago in the Appalachian basin.
The findings have led the researchers to question if old industrial mines could become a valuable source of lithium - but the discover could reach far beyond the East Coast mountain range.
Lithium batteries are used to power a wide array of technology including phones, laptops, e-bikes, handheld power tools, EVs and are even used in solar power backup storage.
Researchers at West Virginia University discovered lithium in fool's gold (pictured) in the Appalachian Basin
The findings have led the researchers to question if old industrial mines could become a valuable source of lithium - but the discover could reach far beyond teh East Coast mountain range (pictured is the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina)
The demand for lithium is soaring as the US moves to switch to green energy like electric vehicles which uses lithium-ion batteries which run the risk of posing a serious fire hazard.
Sulfur-rich pyrite doesn't require as many resources during the extraction process which means its environmental impact is much lower than the -ion alternative.
And fool's gold is found in quartz veins that is mined throughout the US in states like Colorado, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Montana, which means there could be much more lithium hiding through the US.
Researchers in the electrochemical and engineering world have 'already begun to look at how lithium-sulfur batteries
