mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow, butter yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (rarely visible in nuggets); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden-yellow, butter yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow, butter yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (rarely visible in nuggets); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins through precipitation from hot, mineral-rich fluids. Nuggets are often found in secondary alluvial (placer) deposits after being weathered out of the primary lode and tumbled in streams.

Uses & applications

Currency backing, investment (bullion), fine jewelry, electronics (due to high conductivity and corrosion resistance), and prestigious mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Most gold nuggets are 70% to 95% pure gold, with the remainder usually being silver or copper. The 'Welcome Stranger' is the largest alluvial gold nugget ever found, weighing 72 kg (about 158 lbs).

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density (feels much heavier than it looks), malleability (it will dent or flatten rather than shatter when struck), and persistent yellow streak. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous gold-bearing regions like Alaska, California, and Australia.