mineral

Gold

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very high)

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very high)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins created by volcanic activity and concentrated in sedimentary deposits called placers through erosion. Occurs in rocks of various ages, from Archean to Tertiary.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry, currency/investment Bullion, electronics (as a high-conductivity conductor), dentistry, and aerospace engineering.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is one of the least reactive chemical elements and does not oxidize or tarnish in air or water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (it feels heavy for its size), extreme malleability (it will dent rather than shatter), and sector-independent yellow streak. Commonly found in quartz veins or as grains/nuggets in stream beds.