According to the Dana classification system, gold, silver, and copper belong to which class?

The Dana classification system organizes minerals based on their chemical composition and structure. Gold, silver, and copper are classified as elemental substances, meaning they are natural minerals composed of a single type of atom. This distinguishes them from other classes in the Dana system, which include silicates, carbonates, and sulfides, all of which consist of compounds formed from multiple elements or ions.

In the case of gold, silver, and copper, these metals are found in their native forms within nature, making them unique compared to other mineral classes that involve complex molecules. Their classification as elemental reflects their fundamental nature and simple composition, which is central to understanding mineralogy and geochemistry.