Native Gold
Native Gold (Aurum) · Precious Metal / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); typically occurs as nuggets, grains, dendritic, or arborescent masses. Euhedral crystals are rare.
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
Au (may contain trace Ag, Cu, Fe)
Formation Process
Primarily Hydrothermal (precipitated from hot, mineral-rich fluids in quartz veins) or Sedimentary (placer deposits through erosion and concentration by water).
About This Crystal
Exhibits a characteristic warm golden-yellow color with a high metallic luster. The surface is often bumpy, hackly, or pitted. It is opaque even in thin sections and has a rich, buttery reflective quality.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Golden-yellow; Streak: Golden-yellow; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (pure); Tenacity: Highly malleable and ductile; Fluorescence: None.
Optical Properties
Opaque; Metallic luster; High reflectivity; No pleochroism or birefringence as it is an isometric metal.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Witwatersrand (South Africa), Klondike (Canada), California (USA), Australia, and various hydrothermal quartz vein deposits globally.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness: 2.5–3.0. Very soft and easily scratched. Extremely high toughness (malleable), meaning it bends rather than breaks.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid contact with harder minerals to prevent scratches. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Keep away from mercury and strong acids (except Aqua Regia).
Rarity & Value
Rare. Value is determined by weight (spot price of gold), purity, and specimen aesthetics. Crystalline or dendritic specimens command high premiums over bullion value.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional malleability and density; it is one of the few minerals that can be hammered into extremely thin sheets (gold leaf) without breaking.
Lore & History
Historically revered by almost every major civilization (Egyptians, Romans, Incas) as a symbol of the sun, divinity, and wealth. In metaphysical traditions, it is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra and believed to promote vitality and success.