mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden-yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric (rare in nuggets), Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy), Cleavage: None

Hardness: 2

Identified July 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden-yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric (rare in nuggets), Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy), Cleavage: None

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins and concentrated by erosion into alluvial placer deposits in riverbeds and streams. Most Earth gold is billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for monetary exchange, jewelry, high-end electronics due to conductivity, and dentistry. Also highly sought after by collectors.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly ductile; a single ounce can be drawn into a wire 50 miles long. Unlike many yellow minerals like pyrite, gold is soft and stays yellow even in shadow.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density (feels heavy for its size) and malleability (it will dent, not shatter). Look in river bends, cracks in bedrock, and downstream from quartz outcrops.