mineral

Raw gold nugget or gold-bearing quartz

Native gold (Au), possibly with quartz (SiO₂) and iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Yellow-orange metallic material with an irregular, somewhat dull surface; native gold has Mohs hardness 2.5–3, very high density (~19.3 g/cm³), malleability, and no cleavage. The image alone cannot distinguish gold from iron-stained quartz or sulfide-bearing rock.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Natural gold forms in hydrothermal veins and accumulates as placer nuggets through weathering and stream transport, commonly in rocks hundreds of millions to billions of years old. Orange coloration may also reflect limonite or weathered sulfides.

Uses & applications

Gold is used in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and investment; quartz gangue is mainly a collector interest unless exceptionally attractive. Authentic nuggets can be valuable by weight.

Geological facts

Gold is nonmagnetic and leaves a yellow streak, whereas pyrite is brittle, harder (Mohs 6–6.5), and commonly leaves a dark streak. A specific-gravity test, streak test, and professional assay are needed for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Common gold regions include Australia, Alaska, California, Nevada, South Africa, and Canada. Gold typically dents or deforms rather than crumbles; avoid destructive testing without permission.