mineral

Gold (Placer Gold Nuggets)

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow (doesn't change with angle); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Malleable and ductile; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy).

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden-yellow (doesn't change with angle)
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5–3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow (doesn't change with angle); Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Malleable and ductile; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy).

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins, then eroded out of the bedrock and transported by water into stream beds (alluvial deposits). Common in areas with historical volcanic or tectonic activity.

Uses & applications

Currency, investment bullion, high-end jewelry, electronics (due to conductivity), and dentistry. Small 'flour' gold and nuggets are highly sought after by recreational prospectors.

Geological facts

Gold is so malleable that a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is chemically inert, meaning it does not tarnish or rust when exposed to air or water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its weight; even tiny flakes will stay at the bottom of a pan when sand is washed away. Unlike pyrite ('Fool's Gold'), real gold is soft enough to be dented with a pin and maintains its color in the shade.