mineral

Native Gold in Quartz

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Golden yellow to brassy; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very dense)

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden yellow to brassy
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 (Mohs scale); Color: Golden yellow to brassy; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very dense)

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures in rocks (usually quartz veins) during tectonic activity. Most primary deposits are from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Used as a primary source for bullion, currency, jewelry, electronics, and medical applications. High collector value for natural crystalline specimens.

Geological facts

Native gold is often associated with quartz and pyrite. It is one of the few elements found in its pure state in nature and is highly malleable and ductile.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density, metallic luster that doesn't tarnish, and extreme malleability (it will dent rather than shatter). Common in 'Mother Lode' regions of California, Australian goldfields, and South Africa.