Why is gold considered a mineral?

Gold is unusual in that is is both a mineral AND an element (same with copper, silver, and sulfur to name a few of the more well-known.) These are called native element minerals. To classify as a mineral, there are a few criteria: 1. read more

Gold isn’t a mineral per se, but metallic gold similar to that used in jewelry when it occurs naturally in the form of nuggets and flecks is a mineral, commonly known as “native gold”. A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a defined chemical composition and a crystalline form. read more

In the US, 10 carat is the legal minimum accepted standard of gold caratage, 14 carat being the most popular. 18k rose gold is typically about 4% silver added to 75% gold and 21% copper to give a rose color. 14k red gold is often found in the Middle East and contains 41.67% copper. read more

Gold is a mineral itself, actually. Gold is an element, so only gold atoms can make its composition. read more