Natural Alluvial Gold Flake
Raw Gold (Flake/Placer Gold) · Natural Placer Gold; contains natural silver and copper trace alloys.
Purity: Approximately 20K-23K (83% - 96% purity). Natural gold is never 24K pure as it naturally alloys with silver, copper, and iron.
Type
Raw Gold (Flake/Placer Gold)
Purity
Approximately 20K-23K (83% - 96% purity). Natural gold is never 24K pure as it naturally alloys with silver, copper, and iron.
Gold Type
Natural Placer Gold; contains natural silver and copper trace alloys.
Weight
Estimated 0.05 - 0.15 grams (well under 0.1 pennyweight).
Description
An organic, flat alluvial gold flake resting in the palm of a hand. This specimen exhibits the characteristic 'placer' shape, appearing beaten flat by the movement of water and rocks in a stream or river. It has a rich, high-karat yellow color and reflects light with the distinct greasy-metallic luster unique to native gold.
Key Features
Planar geometry, irregular 'jagged' edges smoothed by erosion, and high-density appearance relative to common yellow minerals like pyrite.
Color & Finish
High-luster buttery yellow with a natural metallic sheen. The surface is flattened and water-worn with a micro-pitted texture typical of alluvial deposit items.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. As a raw geological specimen, it lacks man-made stamps or hallmarks.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 4mm x 6mm; extremely thin (sub-millimeter thickness).
Gemstones & Inlays
None; purely metallic mineral specimen.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw specimen.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; however, the edges show irregular mechanical wear from river travel (tumbling).
Craftsmanship Details
Nature-made; sculpted by hydraulic action and geological pressure.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of cleavage planes, the specific deep yellow hue, and the way the light glints off the irregular surface. Unlike 'Fool's Gold' (Pyrite), it does not show cubic crystalline structures and remains bright in shadow.
Origin & Maker
Natural origin; typically recovered from riverbeds or glacial till. No human maker.
Era & Period
Geological/Contemporary; recently recovered from a secondary placer deposit.
Age Estimate
Geologically millions of years old; recently extracted from the earth.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Rush' archetype; the fundamental form of gold that inspired global migrations to California, the Yukon, and Australia.
Condition Notes
Natural state. Grade: Fine Flake. No signs of chemical cleaning or mercury contamination (amalgamation).
Value Estimate
Primarily valued by spot price per gram plus a small 'specimen premium' (shocker/collector value). Likely worth $5-$15 USD depending on current market spot prices.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a small glass 'gem jar' or vial. Avoid vigorous rubbing which can bend the thin edges. Do not use harsh chemicals.
Similar Items
Gold-colored Mica (flakes easily with a fingernail) or Chalcopyrite (more brittle and darker).
Interesting Facts
Most gold flakes have survived a journey of miles from their original 'lode' or vein source, being tumbled in rivers for centuries to reach this flat, thin state.