# How to identify gold Canonical page: https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/gold Last reviewed: September 17, 2026 Page purpose: Original LithoMap mineral identification reference for field observations, search systems, and language models. Classification: Native element · Au ## Summary Native gold is a dense, soft, malleable yellow metal that bends or flattens instead of shattering and leaves a yellow streak; those properties separate it from pyrite and most glittering minerals. ## Quick identification clues - Rich metallic yellow color that remains yellow in shade - Mohs hardness about 2.5 to 3 - Exceptionally dense for its size - Malleable and sectile rather than brittle ## Composition and classification Native gold is elemental Au, commonly alloyed naturally with silver and smaller amounts of copper or other metals. Increasing silver content can make the color paler. Visible gold does not establish the grade or economic value of the surrounding rock. ## Appearance Gold occurs as irregular grains, flakes, wires, dendrites, nuggets, and microscopic particles. Natural crystals are possible but much less common than rounded or distorted forms. Its metallic yellow color persists on fresh surfaces and in a streak. Thin flakes may look bright against dark sediment, but apparent size is easily exaggerated by reflection. ## Identification tests - Hardness: 2.5 to 3. Scratched by copper or steel and much softer than pyrite. - Streak: Metallic yellow. Distinct from the dark streak of pyrite or chalcopyrite. - Tenacity: Malleable and sectile. A loose grain deforms or cuts rather than crumbling, when testing is lawful and nondestructive value is not a concern. - Density: Very high; pure gold has specific gravity near 19.3. A substantial grain feels unusually heavy, but mixtures and tiny flakes are difficult to judge. ## Common lookalikes - Pyrite: Paler brass-yellow, much harder, brittle, dark-streaked, and commonly cubic. - Chalcopyrite: Brass-yellow, brittle, commonly tarnished, and leaves a greenish-black streak. - Mica: Forms light, flexible flakes with nonmetallic pearly reflections and very low density. ## Direct side-by-side comparisons - Pyrite vs. gold — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/compare/pyrite-vs-gold - Gold vs. copper — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/compare/gold-vs-copper ## Most relevant related guides - Pyrite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/pyrite - Copper — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/copper - Chalcopyrite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/chalcopyrite - Apatite — https://lithomap.app/resources/mineral-identification/apatite ## Formation Gold is concentrated by hydrothermal fluids in veins, shear zones, replacement bodies, and disseminated deposits, and it also occurs in some magmatic and metamorphic systems. Because gold is dense and resistant to weathering, erosion can concentrate liberated grains in placer deposits, especially in bedrock traps and selected stream sediments. ## Occurrence and geologic setting Gold occurs in many deposit types, but visible grains are uncommon even in productive ore. Placer gold may be transported downstream and mixed with magnetite, garnet, sulfides, and man-made metallic debris. Appearance cannot establish ownership, claim status, purity, weight, or value. Assay and professional examination are needed for consequential decisions. ## Uses and significance Gold is used in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, aerospace, investment products, and specialized coatings because it is conductive, workable, corrosion resistant, and visually distinctive. ## Field safety and limitations - Do not use mercury or improvised chemical extraction methods. - Check mining claims, private ownership, tribal jurisdiction, and collecting rules before prospecting. - Historic mine waste may contain arsenic, lead, mercury, or acid-generating sulfides. ## Authoritative sources - Gold Statistics and Information — U.S. Geological Survey: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/gold-statistics-and-information - Minerals and their physical properties — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/minerals.htm - Mohs Hardness Scale — U.S. National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/mohs-hardness-scale.htm - Natural Gemstones: Mineral Gemstones — U.S. Geological Survey: https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/mineral.html ## Specimen photograph - Image: https://lithomap.app/_delivery/identification/minerals/gold.webp - Description: Native gold specimen from Pontes e Lacerda, Brazil, displayed against a black background - Creator: Carlin J. Green, U.S. Geological Survey - License: Public domain — https://www.usgs.gov/information-policies-and-instructions/copyrights-and-credits - Source record: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/native-gold This reference supports preliminary field identification. It is not a laboratory determination, appraisal, hazard assessment, proof of origin, or statement of land ownership, legal access, or collecting permission.