The formation of thin Au films by vacuum evaporation on lead and tin chalcogenides is investigated. Single crystal chalcogenide substrates are prepared by vacuum evaporation onto KCl. The films are studied by RHEED prior to removal from the KCl substrate and by TEM and TED after removing the composite Au–chalcogenide film from the KCl. A remarkable variety of orientations and particle shapes is observed. The saturation particle density varies over a very wide range as a function of substrate material and temperature. Results are discussed and compared with the growth of Au on alkali halides.