mineral

Gold-bearing quartz in a dark host rock (possible gold-in-quartz specimen)

Quartz (SiO₂) with possible native gold (Au) in a fine-grained host; exact identification is uncertain from the photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The rounded specimen has a dark, fine-grained matrix and a yellow, metallic-looking patch. Quartz is Mohs 7 with vitreous luster and no cleavage; native gold is Mohs 2.5–3, malleable, and strongly metallic. The yellow area could also be iron staining or another sulfide, not gold.

Identified September 28, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing quartz in a dark host rock (possible gold-in-quartz specimen)
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with possible native gold (Au) in a fine-grained host; exact identification is uncertain from the photo
Category: mineral
Identified: September 28, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$20 as an unverified small specimen; confirmed native gold content can raise value substantially.

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

Quartz veins form when silica-rich fluids fill fractures, sometimes depositing gold as they cool; the dark matrix may be volcanic or metamorphic rock. Age and formation setting cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Gold-bearing quartz is collected and, when confirmed and sufficiently rich, processed for gold; attractive specimens are kept as display pieces.

Geological facts

Gold is malleable and leaves a yellow streak, while pyrite is brittle and commonly leaves a dark streak. A photo alone cannot confirm native gold.

Field identification & locations

Check whether the yellow material is metallic and malleable rather than flaky or brittle; definitive identification requires testing or assay. Gold-bearing quartz occurs in many regions, including California, Australia, and South Africa.