mineral

Gold-bearing quartz or iron-stained quartzite

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly with pyrite or native-gold flecks

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rough, granular, pale gray to tan specimen with a sugary texture and scattered brassy sparkle; quartz hardness is 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The brassy grains may be pyrite (Mohs 6–6.5), but native gold cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified September 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed from hydrothermal quartz veins or metamorphosed quartz-rich rock, commonly associated with sulfide mineralization; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz-rich rock is used for aggregate, silica, and ornamental stone; pyrite is mainly a collector mineral. Gold-bearing material may have value only if assay confirms economically recoverable gold.

Geological facts

A brassy metallic appearance is commonly called “fool’s gold,” usually pyrite or chalcopyrite rather than gold. Gold is malleable and leaves a yellow streak, whereas pyrite is brittle and produces a dark greenish-black streak.

Field identification & locations

Test with a steel file, streak plate, and magnifier; gold is soft and malleable, while quartz scratches glass and pyrite crystals are brittle. Common settings include hydrothermal veins and gold districts worldwide.