This holiday season, why not get a mineral every day instead of chocolate? Today’s mineral is Gold find out more about it below..

We are coming to the end of our Mineral Advent Calendar, and if you are of Christian faith (or attended ANY school where a Nativity play was performed at Christmas) you will recognise the significance of today’s mineral as one that apparently a wise man headed out carrying to celebrate the birth of a baby – Jesus – the relious reason behind the celebration of Christmas. Though to be honest all of the new mums I know would prefer food (especially fresh veggies!) to Gold (or Frankincense or Myrrh), it’s still a great mineral for today’s advent! But whatever your religion, I hope you are enjoying the season!

Gold comes in many forms but these dendritic crystals are one of my favourites. Image from Wikipedia.

Gold:
Chemical formula: Au
Colour: Gold!
System: Isometric
Hardness (Mohs): 2½ – 3
Can you find it in the UK? Yes.

UK Gold (specifically Welsh) has been used in the rings of the royal family for over 80 years. Image from the Telegraph.

Gold can be found in many locations across the UK, it is a common accessory mineral to lots of other minerals mined commercially including Copper, Lead and Silver and if often found near quartz minerals. Careful not to mistake it’s more common counterpart Pyrite (or Fools Gold) which also grows in similar conditons, but it actually quite a different, more brassy colour. Famously UK gold has for over 80 years been used in the production of Royal wedding rings, including the most recent wedding between Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

For more information about Gold please visit the MinDat website.