mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Rich golden yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (rarely visible in nuggets); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3

Hardness: 2
Color: Rich golden yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Rich golden yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (rarely visible in nuggets); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins or concentrated in alluvial placer deposits through erosion. Often associated with the Cenozoic era in many active mining regions.

Uses & applications

Currency, jewelry, electronics, investment, and high-value collecting.

Geological facts

Gold is one of the most malleable and ductile metals known; one ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is chemically inert and does not tarnish or rust.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density (feels heavy for its size), metallic luster that doesn't change when shadowed, and softness (it can be dented with a needle, unlike pyrite). Found in stream beds or vein outcroppings.