mineral

Gold-bearing quartz sulfide specimen

Native gold (Au) with quartz (SiO₂), likely associated with iron sulfides such as pyrite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Metallic yellow grains and gray-white quartz matrix; gold is Mohs 2.5–3, malleable, with a bright metallic luster, while quartz is Mohs 7 and vitreous. The dark metallic material may be pyrite or another sulfide; exact identification requires testing or analysis.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing quartz sulfide specimen
Scientific name: Native gold (Au) with quartz (SiO₂), likely associated with iron sulfides such as pyrite
Category: mineral
Identified: September 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$50 as an attractive unverified specimen; potentially more if assay confirms visible native gold, with value then based mainly on gold weight 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

Likely formed in hydrothermal veins, where hot mineral-rich fluids deposited quartz, sulfides, and native gold in fractures. The specimen’s geological age cannot be determined from the image and depends on its deposit.

Uses & applications

Gold-bearing specimens are collected for mineral interest and may be assayed for precious-metal content; quartz and sulfides have industrial significance, but this small piece is primarily a specimen rather than construction material.

Geological facts

Native gold is unusually dense and malleable, unlike brassy pyrite, which is brittle and commonly forms cubic crystals. Visual appearance alone cannot establish gold content or value.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in hydrothermal quartz veins and placer-derived ore zones worldwide. Gold is confirmed by malleability, streak, density, and assay; avoid destructive testing without permission.