mineral
Gold Flakes
Native Gold (Au)
Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow to brassy; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Golden yellow to brassy
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow to brassy; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes in quartz veins or as placer deposits from weathered parent rocks. Often found in association with silver, copper, and quartz.
Uses & applications
Currency, jewelry, electronics, dentistry, aerospace technology, and collector investment.
Geological facts
Gold is incredibly malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is chemically inert and does not tarnish or corrode.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its high density and malleability—gold will dent or flatten under pressure, while 'fool's gold' (pyrite) will shatter. Look for it in stream beds or quartz veins.
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