Some (e.g., Chrysochloris asiatica, Amblysomus hottentotus) are relatively common, whereas others (e.g., species of Chrysospalax, Cryptochloris, Neamblysomus) are rare and endangered.

[3] Like most burrowing mammals with similar habits, the Chrysochloridae have short legs with powerful digging claws, very dense fur that repels dirt and moisture, and toughened skin, particularly on the head.

The fur varies from black to pale yellow or grey, and has an iridescent sheen of green, blue, violet or copper when viewed in light.

Supporting arguments of this included that they were thought to have originated in Gondwana, that they had a low resting metabolic rate, and that they could switch off thermoregulation when inactive.

However, these points are no longer regarded as strongly suggestive of golden moles as undeveloped "reptilian mammals"; some are seen rather as adaptations to regional climatic conditions.

Going into a torpor when resting or during cold weather enables them to conserve energy and reduce urgent requirements for food.

Eremitalpa species such as Grant's golden mole live in the sandy Namib desert, where they cannot form tunnels because the sand collapses.

Instead during the day, when they must seek shelter, they "swim" through the loose sand, using their broad claws to paddle, and dive down some 50 centimetres (20 in) to where it is bearably cool.

Their main prey are termites that live under isolated grass clumps, and they might travel for 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) a night in search of food.

[9] Golden moles share a number of features, varying by species, seldom seen elsewhere among living mammals, including three forearm long-bones, hyoid-mandible articulation, and a hypertrophied malleus.

Additionally sand mining, poor agricultural practices, and predation by domestic cats and dogs are causes of population decline.