gold-group metal

mineralogy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The "gold-group metals" are a classification of native elements in mineralogy. This group includes gold (Au), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu). These metals share similar chemical properties due to their position in the periodic table and are characterized by simple crystal structures with atoms arranged in a cubic closest-packed formation.1

These native metals are soft, ductile, malleable, and sectile, making them easily workable. They are also excellent conductors of electricity and heat and exhibit a metallic luster. Gold, in particular, is known for its distinctive yellow color, durability, and resistance to tarnish and corrosion. These properties have made gold highly valued throughout history for jewelry, currency, and industrial applications. Gold is typically found in its native state, often associated with quartz and pyrite in hydrothermal veins or as placer deposits in riverbeds.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

8 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

mineral
Metals
… are members of the same group (column) in the periodic table of elements and therefore have similar chemical properties. In the uncombined state, their atoms are joined by the fairly weak metallic bond. These minerals share a common structure type, and their atoms are positioned in a simple cubic closest-packed…
Read More
… are members of the same group (column) in the periodic table of elements and therefore have similar chemical properties. In the uncombined state, their atoms are joined by the fairly weak metallic bond. These minerals share a common structure type, and their atoms are positioned in a simple cubic closest-packed…
Read More