mineral
Gold Nugget
Native Gold (Au)
Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow to brassy yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (rarely visible in nuggets); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy).
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Golden yellow to brassy yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden yellow to brassy 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 or concentrated in alluvial (placer) deposits via erosion. Geological age varies from billions of years (Archean) to recent deposits.
Uses & applications
Primary source of gold for currency, investment, jewelry manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace technology.
Geological facts
Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all metals. A single gram can be beaten into a sheet one meter square. The largest nugget ever found was the 'Welcome Stranger' in 1869.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its high density (weight), extreme malleability (it will dent rather than shatter), and golden streak. Commonly found in stream beds or ancient river channels.
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