Mineral
Native Gold (in Jewelry form)
Gold (Au)
Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Golden yellow (brassy in pure form); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very high).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Golden yellow (brassy in pure form)
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Golden yellow (brassy in pure form); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric/Cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very high).
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes in quartz veins, or concentrated as placer deposits in riverbeds through erosion. Some deposits date back over 2 billion years.
Uses & applications
Primary use in jewelry, currency, electronics (due to high conductivity and corrosion resistance), dentistry, and aerospace engineering.
Geological facts
Gold is incredibly ductile; a single ounce can be stretched into a wire five miles long. It is chemically inert, meaning it does not tarnish or rust in air or water.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high density (heaviness), malleability (it bends rather than shatters), and yellow streak. Found globally in areas like California, South Africa, and Australia.
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