Is Gold a Mineral?
Answer at a Glance: Number 79 on the periodic table of elements, Gold (Au) is classified as a native element mineral.
Why Is Gold Classified as a Mineral?
Encyclopedia Britannica defines a mineral as “a naturally occurring homogeneous solid with a definite chemical composition and a highly ordered atomic arrangement; it is usually formed by inorganic processes.” [1] Let’s break down to explore how gold fits this definition.
Naturally occurring – Naturally occurring means that something exists in nature without artificial aid. Gold naturally occurs in rocks, veins in the earth’s crust and alluvial deposits (materials deposited by rivers), without human interference. [2]
Homogeneous solid – A homogenous solid is a single solid substance of uniform composition that cannot be physically separated into simpler chemical compounds. As an element, gold is made up of one type of atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances. It is solid at room temperature. [3][4][5]
Definite chemical composition: A definite chemical composition is always composed of the exact proportions of different elements. Gold (Au) has a definite chemical composition. [6]
Highly ordered atomic arrangement – A highly ordered atomic arrangement means that the atoms in a mineral are arranged in an ordered geometric pattern. Every piece of gold has the same geometric pattern. [7]
Formed by inorganic processes – When something is inorganic, it does not consist of living material. Rocks and metals are inorganic. Gold is inorganic. [8]
Why Is Gold Classified as a Native Element?
Encyclopedia Britannica defines a native element as “any of a number of chemical elements that may occur in nature uncombined with other elements.” Gold is a pure substance that occurs naturally and is not chemically bonded to other elements. Other examples of native element minerals include silver, copper, and lead, each of which is a pure substance found in nature without being chemically combined with other elements. [9]
References
- [1][3] Britannica.com “Mineral – Chemical Compound – Types & Uses.”
- [2] Vocabulary.com “Naturally Occurring – Definition.“
- [4] Purdue University College of Science – “Classifying of Matter.“
- [5] National Library of Medicine – PubChem – “Gold | Au (Element).“
- [6] UCSB Science Line – “Are minerals from Earth elements or compounds? Why are they called minerals?“
- [7] Tulane University – Mineralogy – “Mineralogy.”
- [8] Cambridge Dictionary – “Inorganic Definition.“
- [9] Britannica.com – “Native Element.“
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