mineral

Auriferous Quartz or Pyritic Ore

Iron Pyrite (FeS2) or Native Gold (Au) in Matrix

Hardness: 6-6.5 (Pyrite) or 2.5-3 (Gold); Color: Brassy yellow metallic inclusion in grey/blue host rock; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: Approx 5.0

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Brassy yellow metallic inclusion in grey/blue host rock
Luster: Metallic

Identified June 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins where mineral-enriched hot fluids circulate through fractures in the Earth's crust, often associated with metamorphic or igneous activity. Commonly found in quartz veins and greenstone belts.

Uses & applications

Primary source of gold if the inclusions are native gold; used as iron ore and for sulfuric acid production if pyrite. High interest for mineral collectors and prospectors.

Geological facts

Often called 'Fool's Gold' because pyrite is commonly mistaken for real gold. Some pyrite specimens contain small amounts of actual gold hidden within the crystal structure.

Field identification & locations

Identify by checking for streak color (pyrite has a greenish-black streak, gold has a golden-yellow streak) and checking if it is brittle (pyrite will shatter, gold will flatten). Found in active gold mining regions globally.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

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Schist

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Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

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Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic