Gold perhaps in natural environment (7)
I believe the answer is:
element
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'gold perhaps' is the first definition.
(gold is a kind of element)
'natural environment' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for element that I've seen before include "Ideal situation for someone" , "Comfort zone" , "iron or copper, perhaps" , "Earth, water, air or fire" , "An abstract part of something" .)