mineral

Gold-bearing quartz and sulfide-bearing rock fragments

Native gold (Au) associated with quartz (SiO₂) and likely iron sulfides, possibly pyrite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Visible yellow metallic material occurs with pale quartz and dark gray-brown granular matrix. Gold is Mohs hardness 2.5–3, extremely dense (specific gravity ~19.3), malleable, and has a bright metallic luster; pyrite is harder (6–6.5) and brittle.…

Identified August 31, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing quartz and sulfide-bearing rock fragments
Scientific name: Native gold (Au) associated with quartz (SiO₂) and likely iron sulfides, possibly pyrite
Category: mineral
Identified: August 31, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$5–$30 as an unverified mineral fragment; $50–$500+ if genuine visible gold is confirmed, depending on weight, grade, and specimen quality.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Typically formed in hydrothermal quartz veins, where hot mineral-rich fluids deposit gold and sulfides in fractures; many deposits formed hundreds of millions to billions of years ago. Common host rocks include metamorphic greenstone, schist, and altered volcanic rocks.

Uses & applications

Gold is used in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and investment; quartz and sulfide matrix specimens are collected. Typical rough fragments have value mainly from verified gold content.

Geological facts

Gold bends or smears under a steel point, whereas pyrite crumbles or scratches glass. Gold also leaves a yellow streak; pyrite leaves a greenish-black to brownish-black streak.

Field identification & locations

Common regions include California, Alaska, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Confirm with a streak test, density, magnetism, and ideally an assay; do not rely on color alone because pyrite and mica can resemble gold.