Gold Nugget

Physical Properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow to brassy; Luster: Metallic; Crystal system: Isometric/Cubic (rarely in crystals, usually amorphous nuggets); Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy).

Formation & Geological History

Formed primarily in hydrothermally active quartz veins and then eroded into placer deposits by water action. Can range from recently eroded to hundreds of millions of years old based on the host rock's geological age.

Uses & Applications

Used as a store of value (investment), in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and aerospace due to its conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Geological Facts

Ninety percent of the world's gold has been mined since 1848. Gold is so malleable that a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify in the field by its extreme weight (high specific gravity), its malleability (it bends rather than shatters), and the fact that its color remains consistent even in shadow. Commonly found in stream beds and ancient river channels.

Identified on: 4/23/2026

Mode: Standard