mineral
Gold
Native Gold (Au)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 2.5 to 3, bright golden yellow color, metallic luster, isometric crystal system, no cleavage, and very high specific gravity (approx. 19.3).
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3, bright golden yellow color, metallic luster, isometric crystal system, no cleavage, and very high specific gravity (approx. 19.3).
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins associated with quartz and in placer deposits through the weathering and erosion of primary lodes over billions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry, monetary reserves, electronics, and aerospace applications due to its malleability and corrosion resistance.
Geological facts
Gold is so malleable a single gram can be beaten into a sheet of one square meter; all gold on Earth came from meteorite bombardments.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its heavy weight, yellow color that does not tarnish, and softness. Found worldwide in quartz veins and river gravels.
