mineral

Gold Ore in Quartz

Native Gold (Au) in Quartz (SiO2)

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Gold) / 7 (Quartz); Color: Metallic yellow/gold on a tan or white matrix; Luster: Metallic; Crystal system: Isometric/Cubic for gold, Hexagonal for quartz; Specific Gravity: ~19.3 for gold.

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic yellow/gold on a tan or white matrix
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures in rocks, typically associated with volcanic or metamorphic activity. It can date from millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used for gold extraction in mining industry; high-grade specimens are used for jewelry or as valuable collector pieces.

Geological facts

Gold is one of the most ductile and malleable metals; most of the gold ever mined is still in circulation today. Specimens showing visible gold in original host rock (matrix) are rarer than refined gold bars.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its non-tarnishing bright yellow color, high density, and malleability (it will dent, not shatter, under pressure). Commonly found in 'Mother Lode' regions like California, Alaska, and Australia.

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