Gold flakes, the smallest forms of naturally occurring elemental gold, are tiny fragments of this valuable metal found within stream beds and rock formations. These minute pieces, sometimes referred to as “flour gold,” are the result of erosion breaking down larger deposits. Their identification relies on recognizing a unique combination of visual cues and physical properties distinct from common minerals.
The Defining Visual Characteristics
Real gold flakes possess an unmistakable deep, rich yellow color often described as a buttery or soft glow. This color is consistent and does not change based on the angle of the light source hitting it. Pure gold does not react with oxygen or water, meaning the flakes will not display any tarnish or surface oxidation.
The flakes exhibit a metallic luster that is steady and uniform, rather than a frantic, glittering sparkle. Gold flakes are generally flat, thin, and irregularly shaped, having been tumbled and flattened by water over time. Even under magnification, the edges appear soft and rounded, reflecting the metal’s inherent softness.
Simple Physical Tests for Confirmation
A reliable way to confirm a gold flake is to test its extreme malleability and softness, measured at a low 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs hardness scale. A genuine flake will easily deform, bend, or flatten under slight pressure from a pin or a fingernail. If the flake shatters, crumbles, or breaks into smaller, sharp pieces when poked, it is not gold.
Another powerful indicator is the metal’s exceptional density, approximately 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter for pure gold. This high specific gravity makes even the smallest flakes feel surprisingly heavy for their size. When placed in water, gold particles sink almost immediately and resist being carried away by swirling motion, a characteristic fundamental to the gold panning process.
A final, simple test involves scraping the flake across an unglazed ceramic surface, known as a streak plate. This action reveals the color of the mineral’s powder, which is a more reliable identifier than its surface color. Real gold will leave behind a golden-yellow streak on the ceramic.
Distinguishing Real Gold from Look-Alikes
The two most common minerals mistaken for gold flakes are pyrite and mica, and they fail the tests that real gold passes. Pyrite, often called “Fool’s Gold,” has a brassy, pale yellow color and a distinctively bright, sometimes greenish, metallic luster. Pyrite has a crystalline structure and is significantly harder than gold, meaning it will not bend and will leave a greenish-black streak when scratched on a ceramic plate.
Mica flakes are also highly reflective and can flash brightly in the light. However, mica is far less dense than gold, causing it to float or wash away easily in water. It tends to break into many smaller, flaky pieces when pressure is applied. Unlike gold’s permanent yellow streak, mica will leave a white or colorless streak on a testing plate.