Gold Nugget
Native Gold · Precious Metal / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); usually occurs as irregular grains, nuggets, or dendritic masses; octahedrons are rare.
Mineral Group
Native Elements
Chemical Formula
Au (often with silver, copper, or iron as impurities)
Formation Process
Primarily Hydrothermal (precipitating from hot, mineral-rich fluids in crustal fractures) and secondary Sedimentary (accumulating as nuggets in stream beds due to high density and resistance to weathering).
About This Crystal
An opaque, metallic pebble-like mass with a rich yellow to brassy-gold color. The surface is irregular, pitted, and water-worn with a dull to bright metallic luster. It lacks external crystal faces, showing a characteristic weathered nugget habit.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Golden-yellow; Streak: Golden-yellow; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly; Specific Gravity: 15.5–19.3 (very high); Fluorescence: None; Tenacity: Malleable and ductile.
Optical Properties
Opaque; highly reflective; Metallic luster; No birefringence or refraction as it is a metal.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include Australia, USA (Alaska/California), Canada (Yukon), South Africa, and Russia; typically found in alluvial placer deposits or hydrothermal quartz veins.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 2.5–3.0; Extremely soft and easily scratched; high toughness (does not shatter, but deforms under pressure).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid exposure to mercury (forms amalgams) and strong acids (Aqua Regia). Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; store separately from harder minerals to prevent scratches.
Rarity & Value
Rare and high value; priced by weight (troy ounces) based on current spot market prices, plus a premium for natural nugget aesthetics. Purity is measured in karats.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional malleability and high density; distinct hackly texture; can contain inclusions of quartz or silver (electrum).
Lore & History
Historically symbolising wealth, power, and the sun across nearly all ancient civilizations (Egypt, Rome, Inca). Metaphysically associated with the Solar Plexus chakra, believed to enhance vitality and confidence.