Native

Key Stage 3

Meaning

This Gold nugget was found in the ground. It is not part of a compound so it is called Native.

A native metal is one that is found not as part of a metal compound but as an element.

About Native Metals

Copper, Gold, Silver and Platinum are all found Native.

Native metals are often found as a mixture called an alloy. For example when Gold is found, it is often mixed with Silver, so they may need to be separated.