Which of the following metals is commonly found combined in nature?

Gold is commonly found in nature in its native metallic form, often as nuggets or grains. This characteristic is due to its high resistance to oxidation and corrosion, meaning it does not easily react with other elements or compounds in the environment. As a result, gold can be found in a relatively pure state, sometimes mixed with other minerals but still predominantly as elemental gold.

In contrast, the other metals listed typically occur in nature as part of various mineral compounds rather than in their pure metallic forms. Iron, for example, is most often found in ores such as hematite or magnetite, where it is combined with oxygen and other elements. Aluminium also occurs mainly in compounds, such as bauxite, and must be extracted through processes that separate it from these other materials. Magnesium occurs similarly, typically in minerals like dolomite or magnesite, where it is part of a larger compound.

This distinction in the occurrence of these metals highlights why gold is unique in being found in a more elemental and refined state in nature.