mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

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

Identified May 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins by hot fluids deep in the crust, or as secondary placer deposits in riverbeds. Found in rocks ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic ages.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry, investment/bullion, electronics (conductors), dentistry, and aerospace due to high conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. Most gold found by amateur prospectors is in the form of 'flour' or small flakes like this.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density and malleability; unlike pyrite, gold will dent rather than shatter. Use a gold pan in river bends or cracks in bedrock to find placer specimens.