Gold Nuggets

Gold nuggets are natural pieces of gold with unique shapes, sought after by collectors and investors for their rarity, beauty, and value. 

There are two main types of gold nuggets for sale: 1) the more common placer gold nuggets (with a roundish nugget shape) formed by erosion and carried away from their original source, and 2) the rarer crystalline gold nuggets in their original distinctive crystal form found near where they formed.

Gold nuggets play a significant role in history, fascinating geologists and laymen alike while leading to critical gold rush migrations. Many cultures have viewed gold nuggets as gifts from above or symbols of status, with royals donning unpolished raw gold nugget jewelry. 

FAQs

What are gold nuggets?

Gold nuggets are lumps of gold found in nature in their original crystallized form or shaped by their journey to placer deposits. Their compositions and colors vary. Higher-purity gold nuggets for sale have richer yellow hues, while silver or red undertones come from silver or copper impurities. 

Sizes also vary — gold nugget flakes are around 1 to 6 mm while most nuggets are pea- to nut-sized (around 7 mm to 1.5 cm). Typically, gold nuggets for sale are priced higher than refined gold because unpolished raw gold nuggets are rarer.

Is a gold nugget 100% gold?

Finding 100% pure is virtually impossible. Overall, gold nuggets range from 50% to 99% pure, though most gold nuggets for sale are 75% to 97% pure. You’ll find many Australian unpolished raw gold nuggets at 23K (95.8% pure gold) or higher.  

How are gold nuggets formed?

The exact process of gold nugget formation is still being studied. Currently, geologists believe a sequence of earthquakes causes gold particles within quartz veins to accumulate and crystallize. Eventually, erosion causes the gold pieces to break off and get swept away, being reshaped by the sand and water into the unpolished raw gold nuggets you see for sale.

Where do gold nuggets come from?

Geologically, gold nuggets are typically found in bodies of water (like stream gravels), residual deposits of weathered gold-bearing rocks, or quartz veins. 

Geographically, gold nuggets are found around the world. Australian unpolished raw gold nuggets have the highest purity on average and Australia is the 2nd highest country in gold production (after China), followed closely by Russia.

How can I tell if a gold nugget is real?

A few factors can help indicate whether your unpolished raw gold nugget is authentic:

• > Color: True high-purity gold has a deeper orange-yellow color, though real gold nuggets may also have white, green, or red undertones from natural impurities. 
• > Luster: Gold has a metallic luster, though similar minerals like pyrite are also metallic. 
• > Conductivity: Use a voltmeter — gold conducts electricity but similar minerals like pyrite don’t.
• > Streak: A true gold nugget dragged on a streak plate will produce a gold powder. Similar minerals produce other colors, like pyrite’s blackish streak or mica’s white streak.

The best way to ensure a gold nugget for sale is real is a certificate of authenticity from a reputable gold assay office or professional jeweler.

Can gold nuggets be polished or refined?

Most gold nuggets are naturally polished to some degree by streams, but they can be further polished by using magnetite or soaking the nuggets in a solution of warm water and mild soap or white vinegar quickly. 

Gold nuggets can be refined by the same methods as any gold. It often entails melting the nugget, treating it with chloride, then using electrolysis to increase purity. However, unrefined gold nuggets are rarer and more valuable than refined gold. 

What is the value of unpolished raw gold nuggets?

It depends. The value factors of gold nuggets for sale include weight, purity, grade, and the current spot price of gold. 

• > Weight: Larger gold nuggets are rarer and more expensive.
• > Purity: A higher percentage of gold (higher purity) means higher prices.
• > Grade: Influenced by appearance and presence of host material, grades go from Melt Grade to Common Grade to Collectible Grade to Investment Grade.
• > Current Spot Price: The market value (spot price) of gold per troy oz fluctuates daily. Check the current spot price of gold here. Melt or Common Grade will have little to no premium over the spot price, whereas Collectible or Investment Grade gold nuggets may be 2 to 3 times (for placer nuggets) or 3 to 6 times (for crystalline nuggets) the spot price. 

Are gold nuggets a good investment?

Absolutely. Buying Collectible Grade or Investment Grade unpolished raw gold nuggets with a certificate of authenticity is a great way to diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation. 

How should gold nuggets be stored?

Store your unpolished raw gold nuggets in something soft (like a velvet jewelry pouch) within an airtight container, possibly with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Keep the container in a secure vault or lockbox. 

What should I consider when buying gold nuggets for sale online?

Only buy gold nuggets for sale from reputable sellers who include the weight, sizing (with a ruler in the picture for reference), and purity in their description. Always look for a certificate of authenticity, too. 

Check the current spot price of gold and calculate the premium over spot price — Common Grade placer nuggets shouldn’t exceed a premium of 2-times the spot price, whereas Investment Grade crystalline gold nuggets for sale can be 6-times the spot price.

What is the process for purchasing gold nuggets for sale from your site?

First, register your account to talk to sellers and track shipping. Then, explore the dozens of gold nuggets for sale. You can buy right away for Catalogue or Buy it Now listings (with a green price and cart symbol) or try your hand at an exciting auction listing. 

On top of the rigorous vetting process behind our Verified Sellers program, we offer ongoing quality control through our Sheriff Program. You can request a free audit for any gold nugget and a team of third-party experts will review the listing’s accuracy. All these steps ensure you get the best gold nugget for sale at competitive prices with top-quality customer service.