Even when the Gold occurs in crystals, they are distorted or are almost microscopic. The finest Gold specimens that have been found since early times have been smelted for production. Nice specimens, therefore, are regarded very highly, and are worth much more than the standard gold value. Gold is one of the heaviest minerals, and therefore can be panned easily because the Gold sinks to the bottom, below the other substances. In addition, it can be easily separated from other substances due to the weight differences.
Gold is the most malleable and ductile substance known.
Gold is also one of the most resistant metals. It won't tarnish, discolor, crumble, or be affected by most solvents. This adds on to the uniqueness of this mineral. Gold is usually associated with Pyrite and other sulfides , and many times cannot be noticed because of the association with these resembling minerals. In certain localities, minerals that contain these sulfides are heated high enough for the sulfides to depart, enabling the Gold to remain intact on the matrix .