2.5 on the Mohs scale.

Worldwide, although the main sources are Africa, U.S. (California, Alaska), Canada, Former U.S.S.R., South America and Australia.

Metallic, and golden-yellow, one of the precious metals. The color can vary from pinkish, bluish, greenish or even white, depending on any impurities. Gold is found naturally in metallic form, being extremely inert to chemical reactions. Gold is also found as in inclusions in quartz, much like rutilated quartz or tourmalinated quartz. Gold is typically melted down, alloyed with other metals for form jewelry, or bullion. Gold purity is expressed in terms of karat (kt) value, and is a fraction of 24ths. 24 karat gold is 24/24 gold and is pure gold. Gold having a hardness of 2.5, is too soft for most jewelry, and is alloyed with other metals down to 14 or 18 karat gold. 10 karat gold is still legally called gold, but is very cheap and should be avoided. Some jewelry is simply gold plated (termed gold filled), and is very inexpensive. Gold is attractive, wears well and has been used in jewelry and for coins for millenia.

We offer gold, silver and platinum in our jewelry settings.