mineral

Gold Nugget

Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale. Color: Golden-yellow, though can vary with silver or copper impurities. Luster: Metallic. Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: None (exhibits hackly fracture). Specific gravity: Very high, approximately 19.3.

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins deep within the Earth's crust where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through faults and fractures, often associated with quartz. Geological age varies greatly depending on the deposit, ranging from Precambrian to recent placer deposits.

Uses & applications

Primary uses include monetary backing and financial investments, fine jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and aerospace applications.

Geological facts

Gold is extremely malleable and ductile; a single gram can be beaten into a sheet of one square meter. The largest gold nugget ever found is the Welcome Stranger, weighing over 70 kg.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its characteristic yellow color that does not tarnish, high specific gravity (heavy for its size), and softness (can be marked with a copper coin). Found globally in placer gravels and lode deposits, notably in Australia, South Africa, the United States, and Canada.