Golden, grotesque humanoid statue made of fool's gold (iron pyrite)
A Fool's Idol appears as a golden, grotesque humanoid statue, roughly 2 to 4 feet in height. They appear to be constructs of some kind, or perhaps relatives of the gargoyle; though golden in appearance, they are actually made of fool's gold (iron pyrite). Though small, a fool's idol is very strong, and has a pair of vicious claws with which it attacks. A fool's idol may, alternately, choose to grab and throw a shower of gold pieces (common in their "natural" habitat) at foes up to 40 feet away, doing significant damage due to their great strength.
A fool's idol can be found in large concentrations of gold; for example, a large treasure hoard. They are often kept in the hoards of dragons or other powerful monsters as guardians for the treasure.
Basic Fantasy Field Guide Omnibus