Gold

Native gold is an element and a mineral. It is highly prized by people because of its attractive color, resistance to tarnish, and its many special properties - some of which are unique to gold. Its rarity, usefulness, and desirability make it command a high price.

Trace amounts of gold are found almost everywhere, but large deposits are found in only a few locations. Although there are about twenty different gold minerals, all of them are quite rare. Therefore, most gold found in nature is in the form of the native metal. Gold occurs in hydrothermal veins deposited by ascending solutions, as disseminated particles through some sulfide deposits, and in placer deposits.

Quartz Gold vein

Physical Properties

Physical Properties of Gold
Chemical Classification	Native element
Color	Gold yellow
Streak	Gold yellow
Luster	Metallic
Diaphaneity	Opaque
Cleavage	None
Mohs Hardness	2.5 to 3
Specific Gravity	19.3
Diagnostic Properties	Color, hardness, streak, specific gravity
Chemical Composition	Gold, Au
Crystal System	Isometric
Uses	Numerous uses in jewelry; coinage; bullion; currency backing; an electrical conductor used in computers, circuits, appliances, cell phones, etc.; dental work; gilding.

Uses

Most of the gold that is newly consumed or recycled each year is used in the production of jewelry. About 10% is used in coinage or in the financial stores of governments. The remaining 12% is consumed in a wide range of other uses which include electronics, medicine, dentistry, computers, awards, pigments, gilding, and optics. More information on the uses of gold.


Sources: Geology.com