Gold is a rare element with the formulae Au and a relative hardness of 3 occuring in nature in widely distributed small amounts. The main source of gold is in gold-quartz veins where gold was deposited from mineral bearing solutions. When the veins weather, the gold is separated from the quartz and mechanically settles on the stream floor as a placer deposit. Gold in jewellery is measured in carats. 24 carat gold is pure, 22 carat gold is 22 parts gold to 2 parts other metals and so on.
No related terms.