Gold Dust and Gold Flakes are finely divided forms of elemental gold (Au), produced by natural erosion processes or controlled industrial refining methods. They retain all intrinsic properties of gold—exceptional corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity, and chemical inertness—while offering increased surface area and ease of handling.
These forms are widely used in electronics, jewelry manufacturing, decorative coatings, dentistry, pharmaceuticals, and financial trading due to gold’s non-reactive nature and enduring value.
Formation & Production Methods
Natural Formation
• Erosion of gold-bearing veins and lodes
• Transported by water into placer deposits
• Mechanical abrasion produces flakes and dust
• Concentrates naturally due to very high density
Industrial Production
• Mechanical milling and abrasion
• Gas or water atomization
• Electrolytic deposition
• Chemical precipitation from refined gold solutions
Crystal Structure & Metallurgical Behavior
Crystal Structure
Face-Centered Cubic (FCC), allowing extensive slip systems and extreme ductility.
Strengthening Mechanisms
✔ Solid-solution strengthening from Ag or Cu impurities
✔ Work hardening during mechanical processing
✔ Grain refinement in refined powders
❌ Gold cannot be precipitation-hardened or heat treated
Refining & Processing Properties
Recovery Methods (Natural Gold)
✔ Panning
✔ Sluicing
✔ Spiral concentrators
✔ Shaking tables
Refining Processes
• Gravity separation
• Smelting with flux
• Miller chlorination
• Wohlwill electro-refining
Handling Considerations
• Loss risk due to wind or adhesion
• Anti-static control recommended
• Accurate weighing essential
Available Forms & Particle Size
✔ Natural placer gold dust
✔ Gold flakes (natural or refined)
✔ Micron-sized gold powder
✔ Leaf-grade flakes
✔ Melt-ready granules
| Form | Typical Size Range |
|---|---|
| Coarse Flakes | > 1 mm |
| Fine Dust | 50 – 500 µm |
| Micron Powder | < 50 µm |
Typical Applications
Jewelry & Decorative
Alloying feedstock, gold leaf production, artistic gilding
Electronics
Conductive pastes, thick-film circuits, plating feed material
Investment & Trade
Small-scale bullion, informal gold trade, refinery feedstock
Scientific & Medical
Catalyst precursor, biocompatible coatings, reference standards
Advantages of Gold Dust / Flakes
✔ Rapid melting and refining
✔ Precise alloy composition control
✔ Suitable for micro-fabrication
✔ High liquidity in gold trade
✔ Minimal chemical reactivity
✔ Easily converted into bars or alloys
Gold Dust vs Gold Nuggets
| Feature | Gold Dust / Flakes | Gold Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Particle Size | Fine | Coarse |
| Surface Area | Very High | Low |
| Melting Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Collector Value | Low–Moderate | High |
| Refining Ease | High | Moderate |
Why Choose Gold Dust / Gold Flakes?
Gold dust and flakes represent gold in its most versatile particulate form, combining chemical stability, excellent conductivity, and fast processability. They are ideal for refining, electronics, jewelry, decorative applications, and efficient small-scale gold handling.