mineral

Gold Nugget (or Gold Grain)

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Metallic yellow/gold; Luster: Metallic; Crystal system: Isometric/Cubic (rarely shows crystal faces in nuggets); Specific gravity: 19.3 (very high)

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic yellow/gold
Luster: Metallic

Identified May 30, 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: Metallic yellow/gold; Luster: Metallic; Crystal system: Isometric/Cubic (rarely shows crystal faces in nuggets); Specific gravity: 19.3 (very high)

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal veins in quartz or through the erosion of these veins into alluvial placer deposits. Geological age varies from hundreds of millions to billions of years depending on the host lode.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, currency/investment, electronics (due to high conductivity and corrosion resistance), and medicine.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering nearly 100 square feet. It is chemically inert, meaning it will not rust or tarnish.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (heavy for its size), lack of cleavage, and malleability (it will dent rather than shatter when struck). Common in riverbeds and quartz veins.