mineral

Gold Ore in Quartz/Matrix

Native Gold (Au) in Quartz (SiO2) matrix

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Gold), 7 (Quartz); Color: Metallic golden yellow with reddish-brown iron staining; Luster: Metallic (gold) to vitreous/dull (matrix); Crystal structure: Isometric (gold); Specific Gravity: 19.3 (gold)

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic golden yellow with reddish-brown iron staining
Luster: Metallic (gold) to vitreous/dull (matrix)

Identified April 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins through the precipitation of gold from hot, mineral-rich fluids deep within the Earth's crust, often associated with volcanic activity or mountain building.

Uses & applications

Primary source of gold for currency, jewelry, electronics, and medical applications; also highly valued as geological collector specimens.

Geological facts

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements and is solid under standard conditions. Most gold found today was deposited by geothermal fluids 200 million to 2 billion years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density/weight, metallic luster that doesn't change when shaded, and malleability (it dents rather than shatters). Commonly found in 'mother lode' vein deposits or as placer deposits in stream beds.

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