mineral

Gold-bearing quartz vein in dark host rock

Native gold (Au) with quartz (SiO₂), likely in slate, schist, or altered volcanic rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray, fine-grained host rock encloses a white-to-translucent quartz-rich vein with brassy yellow metallic particles. Gold is Mohs 2.5–3, extremely malleable, metallic, and dense (specific gravity ~19.3); quartz is Mohs 7 with vitreous luster and no cleavage.

Identified September 16, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing quartz vein in dark host rock
Scientific name: Native gold (Au) with quartz (SiO₂), likely in slate, schist, or altered volcanic rock
Category: mineral
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$50 as an unverified specimen; potentially much more if assay confirms visible gold, with value based on recoverable gold content and specimen aesthetics.

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 when hot hydrothermal fluids deposited quartz and native gold into fractures during mineralization; the specimen’s precise geological age and host rock cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Gold-bearing specimens are collected, assayed, and potentially processed for precious metal; quartz has limited industrial value here. Market value depends almost entirely on confirmed gold weight and assay results.

Geological facts

The yellow material could be native gold, but brass-colored sulfides such as pyrite or chalcopyrite can look similar. Gold remains yellow in shade and deforms under a point, whereas pyrite commonly crumbles or fractures.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal veins and orogenic gold districts worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and South Africa. Test with a specific-gravity/assay method; do not rely on color alone, and avoid destructive acid tests without expertise.