mineral

Gold Ore in Quartz

Auriferous Quartz (SiO2 with Au inclusions)

Hardness: 7 (Quartz) / 2.5-3 (Gold); Color: Milky white to grey quartz with yellow metallic veins; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.65 (Quartz) / 19.3 (Gold).

Hardness: 7 (Quartz) / 2
Color: Milky white to grey quartz with yellow metallic veins
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins when hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through crustal fractures. Often associated with the cooling of igneous intrusions. Geological age varies significantly from billions to millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primary source of gold for industrial electronics, jewelry, and investment bullion. Specimens are highly sought after by mineral collectors for their aesthetic and 'rush' history.

Geological facts

Historically, these 'vein' deposits sparked the California and Klondike Gold Rushes. A single visible vein in a hand specimen can indicate a much larger high-grade lode deposit nearby.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for metallic yellow streaks that do not shatter when poked with a needle (unlike brittle Pyrite). Found in mountainous regions like the Rockies, Sierras, and Australian Outback. Use a 10x loupe to verify color consistency.

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