mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

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

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic yellow, golden-yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified May 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins or through the weathering of these veins into alluvial 'placer' deposits. Most gold was formed during major mountain-building events throughout Earth's history.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a store of value/currency, in high-end jewelry, electronics (due to high conductivity), and dentistry.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is one of the few elements found in its pure native state in nature.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density, extreme malleability (it will dent, not shatter, when struck), and its inability to tarnish. Commonly found in stream beds or within quartz veins.