mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5–3.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow, brassy yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (rarely in crystals, usually irregular masses); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden yellow, brassy yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through crustal rocks, often in quartz veins. Secondary deposits (placers) form through erosion and transport by water in rivers and streams.

Uses & applications

Primary source of gold for currency, jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and aerospace due to its high conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly ductile; a single ounce can be stretched into a wire 50 miles long. Unlike pyrite (fool's gold), real gold is soft enough to be dented or marked with a pin and does not have a streak color (it stays gold when rubbed on ceramic).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels much heavier than it looks), malleability (it bends rather than shatters), and metallic shine that remains consistent even in shadow. Commonly found in quartz veins or 'pay dirt' in gold-bearing stream beds.