Native Element Minerals
Native elements occur in nature as a single uncombined element. The group includes native metals such as gold, silver and copper as well as non-metals such as sulfur, graphite and diamond, which are all the same element as coal's carbon in a different crystal structure.
Mohs hardness in this group runs from 2 to 4.25.
All native element minerals (4)
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common native element minerals?
The most searched native element minerals in the StoneSnap database are Gold, Platinum, Silver, and Sulfur.
How do you identify native element minerals?
Start with luster and color, then bracket the Mohs hardness with a scratch test and check the streak on unglazed porcelain. Mohs hardness in this group runs from 2 to 4.25. Each entry below lists the diagnostic properties and its common look-alikes.
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