What Does Gold Look Like In A Rock?

Gold is one of the most valuable and sought-after metals in the world and has long been used to store wealth, adorn jewelry, and make coins. Gold is so sought after, in fact, that some people are willing to travel far and wide to find it. To find gold in the wild, you will have to first learn to recognize what it looks like in a rock.

Appearance

Gold is a heavy, yellow metal that has a bright and lustrous appearance. It usually comes in small nuggets or masses, which is why it is often confused with fool’s gold. Gold can be found in some quartz rocks, though it is mainly found in placer deposits. Gold reacts to nitric acid and will easily be scratched off of the surface of the rock.

In the Natural State

In its natural state, gold will appear golden yellow in color. It will also have a high specific gravity, meaning it is much heavier than most naturally occurring materials. Gold has a relatively soft texture and will be malleable, meaning it can be hammered and pressed into shapes without breaking.

In Ore Form

Gold ore is a type of rock that contains small particles of the precious metal. Gold ore will often be covered by a black oxide layer of iron, webbed with white quartz and pyrite crystals. It may also contain hints of other precious metals, such as silver or platinum.

Finding Gold in a Rock

Although finding gold in rocks can be hard, it is possible if you know exactly what to look for. Gold is usually found in quartz rock, which is often white and spotted with flecks of gold. If a rock contains visible specks of gold, it is usually embedded in the quartz. The only way to accurately identify gold in a rock is by laboratory testing.

Conclusion

Gold is one of the most sought after metals in the world and can be found in rocks. It is usually yellow in color and has a bright, lustrous appearance. Gold is usually found in quartz ore, which may contain visible specks of the precious metal. Gold can be accurately identified and extracted through laboratory testing.