mineral

Gold Grain

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Golden yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 15.5-19.3

Hardness: 2
Color: Golden yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified June 15, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Golden yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 15.5-19.3

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in quartz veins or as secondary deposits in river beds (placer deposits). Geological age varies from Archean to Tertiary.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics, jewelry, currency, medicine, and as a hedge against inflation. High collector value for native specimens.

Geological facts

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements and is solid under standard conditions. Most gold found in nature is alloyed with silver.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density, extreme malleability (it will dent, not shatter), and persistent metallic luster even in low light or underwater.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral