mineral
Auriferous Quartz (Gold-bearing Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace Gold (Au) and Iron Oxides
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to tan with rusty brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Hexagonal (often massive); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to tan with rusty brown iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Auriferous Quartz (Gold-bearing Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to tan with rusty brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Hexagonal (often massive); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal activity where mineral-rich hot fluids circulate through crustal fractures, depositing silica and ores in veins. Found in metamorphic or igneous terrains.
Uses & applications
Primary source for gold mining and extraction. Highly valued as geological specimens for gold prospectors and mineral collectors.
Geological facts
This specimen shows the classic 'rusty' appearance characteristic of gossan or oxidized gold-bearing veins, where sulfide minerals like pyrite have weathered into iron oxides.
Field identification & locations
Identify by searching for white or tan quartz veins in metamorphic host rock; iron staining (limonite/hematite) is a key indicator for potential mineralization.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous