mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5–3.0 on the Mohs scale. Color: Metallic golden-yellow. Luster: Metallic. Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic. Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: ~19.3 (very heavy). Malleable and ductile.

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic golden-yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins or through the weathering of these veins into alluvial (placer) deposits. Nuggets are often concentrated in stream beds and river gravels by the action of water.

Uses & applications

Primary use in investment (bullion), jewelry, electronics due to high conductivity, and dentistry. Highly valued by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Native gold is often alloyed with silver (electrum) or copper. The largest gold nugget ever found was the Welcome Stranger, discovered in Australia in 1869, weighing approximately 72kg.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its extreme weight (high density), lack of cleavage, and malleability (it will dent or bend, not shatter, when struck). It maintains its color even in shade, unlike pyrite which requires direct light to glitter.