mineral
Gold Ore
Auriferous rock containing native gold (Au)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 2.5-3 for gold, variable for host rock. Yellow metallic luster with high density and specific gravity around 19.3 for pure gold. Cubic crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness 2.5-3 for gold, variable for host rock. Yellow metallic luster with high density and specific gravity around 19.3 for pure gold. Cubic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal vein deposition and magmatic processes over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Primary source for precious metal extraction, jewelry, electronics, and investment bullion.
Geological facts
Gold is extremely malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 300 square feet. Most gold on Earth originated from meteorite bombardments.
Field identification & locations
Identify by high specific gravity, yellow metallic flecks that do not tarnish, and streak test. Found globally in quartz veins and alluvial placers.
