Comparison · Native Elements
Gold vs Platinum
Gold and Platinum are easy to confuse because both are native elements. Platinum is harder (Mohs 4.25) than Gold (Mohs 2.5), so Platinum will scratch Gold and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Gold and Platinum
- Platinum is harder (Mohs 4.25) than Gold (Mohs 2.5), so Platinum will scratch Gold and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- Streak color differs: Gold leaves a golden yellow streak on unglazed porcelain, Platinum leaves steel gray to silver-white.
- Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
- Gold feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 19.3 versus 18 for Platinum).
Gold vs Platinum properties
| Property | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Native Elements | Native Elements |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 | 4.25 |
| Luster | metallic | metallic |
| Streak | Golden yellow | Steel gray to silver-white |
| Transparency | opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 19.3 | 18 |
| Crystal system | cubic | cubic |
| Common colors | Gold, Yellow | Silver, Gray, Steel gray |
| Rarity | legendary | legendary |
| Typical specimen value | $50–$10000+ | $60–$8000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Gold is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $1200 against $900 for Platinum, and premium Gold can reach $10000 or more.
About Gold
Gold is a native metallic element prized for its rich yellow color, high density, malleability, and resistance to tarnish. In specimens it appears as nuggets, wires, leaves, grains, or crystalline masses, often associated with quartz veins or placer gravels.
About Platinum
Platinum is a rare native metallic element with a silvery to steel-gray color, very high density, and strong resistance to corrosion. In nature it occurs as small grains, flakes, and nuggets rather than well-formed crystals, often within ultramafic rocks or placer gravels.
Gold vs Platinum FAQ
Is Gold the same as Platinum?
No. Both are native elements, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Platinum is harder (Mohs 4.25) than Gold (Mohs 2.5), so Platinum will scratch Gold and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Gold from Platinum?
Platinum is harder (Mohs 4.25) than Gold (Mohs 2.5), so Platinum will scratch Gold and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Streak color differs: Gold leaves a golden yellow streak on unglazed porcelain, Platinum leaves steel gray to silver-white. Both look metallic, so compare color, tarnish and weight rather than shine.
Which is harder, Gold or Platinum?
Platinum is harder: Mohs 4.25 against Mohs 2.5 for Gold.
Which is more valuable, Gold or Platinum?
Gold is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $1200 against $900 for Platinum, and premium Gold can reach $10000 or more.
