mineral
Gold
Gold (Au)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 2.5-3; bright golden yellow color; metallic luster; isometric crystal system; no cleavage; extremely high specific gravity (19.3).
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 2.5-3; bright golden yellow color; metallic luster; isometric crystal system; no cleavage; extremely high specific gravity (19.3).
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal veins and placer deposits associated with igneous and metamorphic activity over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Primary use in jewelry, financial reserves, electronics, and aerospace technology.
Geological facts
Gold is so malleable that a single gram can be beaten into a one-square-meter sheet. Nearly all gold on Earth came from meteorite bombardments during the planet's infancy.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high density, softness, and refusal to tarnish or react with acid. Found globally in quartz veins and alluvial river gravels.
