Identifying Raw Gold
* Raw gold is usually not very shiny, its softness results in its surface becoming dull and rough.
* Color realistically varies between a strong gold-yellow to a dull orange. Colors such as silver, black, brown, and any others do not occur often.
* Raw gold does not often take on sharp angles, edges, or geometric shapes. Because of its softness it appears in very rounded amorphous shapes.
* Raw gold is very heavy relative to other materials, it will sink below most other materials in the ground and in panning.
* Raw gold passes an acid test. An acid testing kit can be bought online cheaply. Instructions on its use can be found here as well as below.
* Raw gold is not magnetic, although most raw materials aren't either.
* Raw gold is soft and not brittle. It should not shatter, chip, or break easily. But does bend and dent.
* See the reference image here and compare to other materials as needed.
Pyrite is often confused for gold. It can be identified by the sharp often cube-like geometry that produces flat shiny surfaces. Real gold is too soft to maintain such geometry. It is often a much less vibrant yellow than gold and can even appear silver colored.
To use an acid testing kit scratch the item onto the touchstone until a clear marking has been made. Drop a small amount of acid onto the marking and see how it reacts. If the marking disappears, bubbles up, releases gases, or otherwise reacts at all then it is not gold or platinum. Avoid inhaling any gases you create doing this, they are toxic. If the marking stays then it is likely real.
Reference image for real raw gold.