The physical characteristics of gold are easily discerned with the naked eye. It should be a bright yellow color and weigh a considerable amount.

Gold does not oxidize , making it extremely durable and its color unchanging over time. Furthermore, it is unaffected by heat, air, humidity , or most chemicals, as it can only be dissolved in chlorine water, a mixture of potassium cyanide and water, or aqua regia. Gold only reacts when in contact with chlorine and bromine.