Gold Vs. Halite

Gold is a very popular mineral composed of gold.^[1] Halite is also a very popular mineral and its chemical composition is sodium chloride.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Gold and Halite

For a quick recap of the differences gold and halite:

• Gold is opaque while halite can be translucent or transparent.
• For chemical formulas, gold is Au while halite is NaCl.
• In terms of luster, gold is metallic while halite is vitreous.
• Gold streaks golden, golden yellow or yellow while halite streaks white.
• Gold can be commonly yellow while halite can be commonly clear.
• Gold's rarity is more rare than halite.
• Gold's specific gravity is higher than halite - gold ranges from 15.5 to 19.3 and halite ranges from 2.1 to 2.6.

Summary of Gold

Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Gold is a precious metal that has been used for currency, jewelry, and decoration for thousands of years. It is also used in electronics, medicine, and as a conductor in space vehicles and satellites.

Summary of Halite

Halite, also known as rock salt, is a mineral that is easily recognizable by its white or colorless appearance. This mineral is formed through the process of evaporating seawater or other saline solutions. Halite is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and its crystals are usually cubic in shape. The mineral is soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2.5, and it has a salty taste.

Table Comparison of Gold vs Halite