mineral

Gold

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric (Face-centered cubic), Cleavage: None/Fracture: Hackly, Specific Gravity: 19.3

Hardness: 2

Identified July 5, 2026More mineral →

Explore Gold in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric (Face-centered cubic), Cleavage: None/Fracture: Hackly, Specific Gravity: 19.3

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in hydrothermal veins and placer deposits through precipitation from hot, mineral-rich fluids in the Earth's crust, or concentrated by water erosion in riverbeds.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in jewelry, currency, electronics due to high conductivity, dentistry, and aerospace engineering.

Geological facts

Gold is chemically inert and does not rust or tarnish. Almost all the gold on Earth reached the planet during a late heavy bombardment from outer space after the core had formed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density (weight), extreme malleability, and distinctive metallic yellow color that does not change under different lighting or when scratched. Found globally, notably in South Africa, Australia, China, and the USA.