Native Gold in Matrix
Native Element Gold (Aurum) · Precious Metal / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Isometric (Cubic); typically occurs as nuggets, grains, dendritic, or arborescent growths; rarely as distinct octahedral or dodecahedral crystals.
Mineral Group
Native Element
Chemical Formula
Au (often with trace Ag, Cu, or Fe)
Formation Process
Primary hydrothermal activity in quartz veins or volcanic environments, and secondary concentration in sedimentary placer deposits via erosion and water transport.
About This Crystal
This specimen shows metallic, buttery-yellow patches of native gold embedded within a dull, brownish-tan rocky matrix. The gold exhibits a bright metallic luster and irregular, hackly distribution within the host rock.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Golden-yellow; Streak: Golden-yellow; Luster: Metallic; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly; Specific Gravity: 19.3 (pure); Tenacity: Very malleable and ductile; Non-magnetic.
Optical Properties
Opaque; lacks refractive index (metallic); high reflectance; no pleochroism or birefringence.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include California (USA), Witwatersrand (South Africa), Australia, and Ontario (Canada); typically found in hydrothermal quartz veins or alluvial placer deposits.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 2.5 - 3.0. Very soft and easily scratched. Highly durable chemically (resistant to most acids except aqua regia).
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive polishing. Store separately to prevent scratching from harder minerals.
Rarity & Value
Rarity: Rare. Value depends heavily on the weight of the gold content (spot price) plus a premium for aesthetic specimen quality. Most gold is melted; intact specimens are highly sought after by collectors.
Special Characteristics
Extreme malleability and high density; does not tarnish or oxidize in air; may show electrum variations if silver content is high.
Lore & History
Gold has been the universal standard of value for millennia. Historically used for coinage, jewelry, and sacred artifacts in every major human civilization. Symbolizes wealth, sun energy, and incorruptibility.