mineral

Native gold nugget (probable)

Native gold, Au; possibly gold-bearing ironstone or quartz matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Yellow metallic luster with irregular, rounded nugget texture; gold has Mohs hardness 2.5–3 and very high specific gravity (~19.3), while attached matrix may be harder and darker. The image alone cannot confirm composition; streak, density, and testing are needed.

Identified September 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by hydrothermal mineralization and later weathering, erosion, and placer concentration; the gold may be millions to billions of years old depending on its source deposit. Commonly occurs in quartz veins and alluvial gravels.

Uses & applications

Recovered for bullion and jewelry, and valued by mineral collectors; gold is also important in electronics and dentistry. Matrix specimens can command premiums over melt value.

Geological facts

Gold is malleable rather than brittle and often shows flattened or folded surfaces. Iron-stained coatings and dark matrix can make identification uncertain, and pyrite or chalcopyrite are common look-alikes.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Australia, Alaska, California, Canada, and parts of South America. A real nugget feels unusually heavy, is not attracted to a magnet, leaves a yellow streak, and deforms under a steel point rather than crumbling; professional assay is definitive.