Mineral
Gold
Native Gold (Au)
Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 19.3
- Hardness
- 2
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 19.3
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and alluvial deposits; can be found in rocks from almost any geological age, typically associated with quartz and sulfide minerals.
Uses & applications
Majorly used in jewelry, currency/investment, high-end electronics due to conductivity and corrosion resistance, and dentistry.
Geological facts
Gold is incredibly malleable; a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is one of the least reactive chemical elements and does not oxidize in air or water.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its density (extremely heavy for its size), high malleability (it bends rather than breaks), and sectility. Found in placer deposits (riverbeds) and lode deposits (hard rock mines) globally.
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