Gold
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameGold
Chemical FormulaAu
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustermetallic
Streak Colorgolden yellow
Cleavagenone
Fracturehackly
Specific Gravity19.3
Colorsgolden yellow
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityLa Gran Sabana, near Santa Elana, Bolivar State, Venezuela
Mineral GroupNative Elements
Usesjewelry, currency, electronics, dentistry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, galena
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays sharp, complex, hoppered gold crystals with a brilliant metallic luster, characteristic of high-quality native gold. The crystals are well-formed and exhibit a rich golden-yellow color.
Geological Context
Gold typically forms in hydrothermal veins associated with quartz, often in metamorphic or igneous rocks, or as placer deposits in sedimentary environments where it has been weathered and concentrated by water flow.
