mineral

Gold

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Metallic yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (pure)

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3.0 Mohs; Color: Metallic yellow; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (pure)

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal quartz veins and as placer deposits where it is eroded from primary sources. It is often associated with igneous intrusions.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry, electronics, financial reserves (bullion), and aerospace due to its high conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

Geological facts

Gold is so malleable that a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is one of the least reactive chemical elements.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its high density (weight), yellow streak, and extreme malleability (it bends rather than shatters). Found in major deposits in South Africa, China, and Australia.

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Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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Metamorphic Rock

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mineral