mineral

Gold-bearing quartz or iron-stained quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly with native gold and iron-oxide minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small irregular specimen with translucent gray-white quartz, yellow-brown metallic-looking patches, and a granular texture. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65; true gold is much softer (2.5–3) and dense (19.3).

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in a hydrothermal quartz vein, where silica-rich fluids deposited quartz and sulfide or native-gold mineralization in fractures; age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Quartz is common in construction aggregate, glass, and industrial silica; gold-bearing pieces are collected or assayed for precious-metal content. Jewelry use requires cutting or confirmed gold recovery.

Geological facts

The yellow color may be native gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, or iron staining; appearance alone cannot confirm gold. A streak test, hardness test, density measurement, and professional assay are more reliable.

Field identification & locations

Common in quartz-vein districts worldwide, including California, Nevada, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Gold is malleable and leaves a yellow streak, whereas pyrite is brittle with a dark greenish-black streak; avoid destructive testing without permission.