Commodity 1Gold Nuggets
For Industrial and Commercial Uses
Gold Nuggets
| Element | Atomic Symbol | % by Mass |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Au | 83.00% |
| Silver | Ag | 10.00% |
| Copper | Cu | 4.00% |
| Other Elements | — | 3.00% |
Gold nuggets are pieces of gold that occur naturally, often found in deposits where gold has been concentrated by erosion. The amount of gold varies from small flakes to large amounts, with a bright yellow quality. The value of a gold nugget is determined by factors such as its size, purity (measured in carats), and the current gold price in the market.
The purity of gold nuggets varies depending on the source of the gold and the geological processes that have affected it. Gold nuggets found in placer deposits are typically purer than those found in quartz veins. The average purity of a gold nugget is between 75% and 90%.
Nuggets are usually named by their fineness — for example, “865 fine” means a nugget with 865 parts per thousand gold by mass. The impure elements are usually silver and copper; a high concentration of silver makes the electrum alloy. The chemical composition of an 83% gold nugget is shown above.
Gold nuggets are valued for their beauty and rarity. They are also a valuable commodity, often used as jewelry or as an investment.