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Native gold

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MNHN N°90.65

visu_151 infos

FROM : Adelaïde, Australia
SIZE : 6.1 x 5.2 x 3 cm
WEIGHT : 290 gr

general description

The biggest gold nugget, shown here, has some indications of crystallization. It mesures 6.1 x 5.2 cm and weights 270 grams. Its comes from the mineral deposit of Adelaïde in Australia.

This sample is native gold and was gift to the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in 1890 by Mr Taub. He gave 3 samples which weight are: 270 grams ; 38.5 grams and 21.5 grams.

It is currently exposed in the Treasure Room, within the Gallery of Mineralogy of the Muséum.

Photography: Louis-Dominique Bayle, © MNHN.
3D View: Alain Dahmane / Photo Saint-Hilaire, © MNHN.

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The Species page

Identity card

SPECIE : Native gold

HISTORY : Name derived from the Latin "aurum" who will give its chemical symbol (Au)

Species known since the Antiquity

Type-locality: unknown

CHEMICAL FORMULA : Au
CRYSTAL SYSTEM : Cubic
COLOR : Golden yellow, reddish yellow to silvery yellow
DIAPHANIETY : Opaque
LUSTER : Metallic
STREAK : Bright yellow
MORPHOLOGY : Octahedral crystals, dodecahedra, cubic. Dentritic, massive. As nuggets, en spangles
HARDNESS : 2,5-3,0
DENSITY : 19,302

CHEMICAL CLASS : I - Elements
GROUP : Copper
STRUNZ CLASS BEFORE 2001 : 1/A.01-40
STRUNZ CLASS AFTER 2001 : 1.AA.05

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