Gold Minerals

Gold occasionally occurs with bismuth in the mineral maldonite (Au₂Bi), named after the occurrence at Maldon in Victoria (Australia). Maldonite has a density of 15.5 and lower Mohs' hardness (1.5-2.0) than gold. It has a very low solubility in cyanide solutions.

Gold and copper form the extremely rare intermetallic compounds AuCu₃ (auricupride) and AuCu. Natural AuCu₃ contains 40% Au instead of the stoichiometric 50.8% Au. The crystal system is face-centred cubic with copper at the centre and gold at the corners. The copper content imparts a deep red colour.

Gold Mining & Gold Prospecting Gold Minerals Rocks that are Rounded, Subrounded and Subangular How Rocks are formed Basic Mineralogy Native Gold Electrum Gold tellurides Other gold minerals. Main Types of Placers Obtaining Mining Permits and why they are Necessary Occupations in the Mining Industry The Diverse Uses of Gold Geological Agents The Properties of Minerals Geology of Streams Mining Terminology