Gold Nugget

Physical Properties

Hardness: 2.5–3.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)

Formation & Geological History

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins at high temperatures or as placer deposits in riverbeds through erosion and concentration. Geological age varies by deposit location.

Uses & Applications

Used as a monetary standard, in jewelry, electronics (conductors), dentistry, and aerospace due to high conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Geological Facts

The largest gold nugget ever found was the 'Welcome Stranger' in Victoria, Australia, weighing approximately 72 kg. Gold is so malleable that a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet.

Field Identification & Locations

Identify by its high density (feels heavy for its size), extreme malleability (can be dented by a pin, unlike pyrite), and golden streak. Found in panning concentrates or gold-bearing quartz veins.

Identified on: 5/7/2026

Mode: Standard