mineral

Gold

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: None/Hackly fracture, Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)

Hardness: 2

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Mohs scale), Color: Golden yellow, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: None/Hackly fracture, Specific Gravity: 19.3 (very heavy)

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in quartz veins or as secondary deposits in riverbeds (placer deposits). It is an elemental metal found in various geological ages, often associated with volcanic activity or metamorphism.

Uses & applications

Primary use in jewelry, currency/investment, high-end electronics, aerospace components (due to high conductivity and corrosion resistance), and dentistry.

Geological facts

Gold is incredibly ductile; a single ounce can be drawn into a wire 50 miles long. It is a 'noble metal,' meaning it does not oxidize/rust in air or water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density and malleability (it will dent or bend, not shatter, when struck). In the natural world, it is often found in quartz veins or as tiny grains/nuggets in stream sand. Common locations include the USA (California, Nevada, Alaska), Australia, South Africa, and Canada.