mineral

Gold Nugget

Gold (Au)

Mohs hardness: 2.5-3; Color: Golden yellow, yellow, brassy yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None (hackly fracture); Specific gravity: 15.0-19.3 (very heavy)

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

Identified July 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness: 2.5-3; Color: Golden yellow, yellow, brassy yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None (hackly fracture); Specific gravity: 15.0-19.3 (very heavy)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, where hot mineral-rich water precipitates gold, or in placer deposits where weathering breaks down source rocks and streams concentrate the heavy metal.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, financial reserves, investment, electronics, and dentistry.

Geological facts

Gold is extremely malleable and ductile; a single ounce can be drawn into a wire 50 miles long. Most of the gold on Earth came from meteorite bombardments over 4 billion years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive yellow metallic color, high density (heavy for its size), softness, and lack of reactivity to acid. Found globally in alluvial riverbeds and quartz veins, notably in Australia, South Africa, and the USA.