mineral

Gold-bearing quartz vein rock

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 for quartz; gray-white, yellow-brown, granular and locally glassy, with dull to vitreous luster. The yellow metallic-looking flecks may be native gold, but could also be pyrite or iron staining; crystal structure is trigonal quartz with no cleavage.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely hydrothermal quartz deposited in fractures, with later oxidation producing brown iron oxides; associated gold formed during the same mineralizing event. Its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Gold-bearing quartz is primarily an ore and collecting specimen; quartz itself is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, and electronics. Attractive pieces may be displayed, but this specimen is not gem quality.

Geological facts

Visible yellow material cannot be reliably identified as gold photographically; gold is very soft, malleable, and does not form sharp brittle cubic crystals, unlike pyrite. A streak, hardness, density, and professional assay are needed for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal veins, especially around ancient volcanic and metamorphic terranes. Test suspected gold with a steel pin or knife (gold deforms rather than crumbles), inspect with a loupe, and obtain an assay before assigning value.