The miner will then know the purity and value of the gold. The sample is taken by drilling through the bar and collecting the shavings. Gold extracted from the earth is never pure, it contains differing amounts of other minerals such as silver, lead or antimony. The amount of impurities will reduce the price. Most gold sold in this manner will be used in the jewellery trade within Australia.
Good nuggets can command a higher price because of their value as specimens.
Generally the larger or more unusual looking the specimen the greater its value. Value added Good nuggets can command a higher price because of their value as specimens. There is no fixed price for a large good specimen nugget or one which has an unusual or recognisable shape. However the greatest value added to gold would be when the gold is worked into jewellery or ornaments or objects. The craftsmanship involved also adds to an item's value.