mineral

Gold-bearing Quartz with Iron Oxides

Quartz (SiO2) with Limonite/Goethite (FeO(OH)) and Pyrite (FeS2)

Hardness: 7 (Quartz). Color: White milky quartz with orange/brown iron staining and metallic grey/gold sulfides. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Structure: Massive/Hexagonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal. Specific Gravity: 2.65 for quartz base.

Hardness: 7 (Quartz)
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified May 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins where mineral-rich hot fluids circulate through fractures in the crust. The iron staining (gossan) is the result of weathered iron-bearing sulfide minerals like pyrite.

Uses & applications

Primary source for gold mining; specimen collecting for prospecting research.

Geological facts

This type of rock is often called 'rusty quartz' or 'honeycomb quartz' by prospectors and is a major indicator of potential gold mineralization in lode deposits.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for 'vuggy' or porous textures with heavy iron staining (rust). Often found in mountainous regions near fault lines or prehistoric volcanic activity.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

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

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral