Gold
ID: 22
Gold
Chemical Formula
Au
Hardness (Mohs)
2.5 - 3
Crystal System
Isometric
Streak
Golden yellow
Luster
Metallic
Diaphaneity
Opaque
Color
Golden yellow
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Isometric - Hexoctahedral; commonly in cubes, octahedra, or dodecahedra (often distorted); more typically found as nuggets, flakes, wires, or dendritic masses.
Fun Facts
Gold is one of the few elements found in native (pure) form in the Earth's crust, meaning it doesn't need to be chemically extracted from an ore. Common Uses: Currency, jewelry, investment, electronics (conductors), dentistry, aerospace.