mineral

Gold-bearing quartz vein rock

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent quartz occurs with dark gray matrix and brassy yellow-brown metallic patches. Quartz hardness is 7, vitreous luster, and no cleavage; visible yellow material may be gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, or iron staining, which cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified September 6, 2026More mineral →

Explore Gold-bearing quartz vein rock in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing quartz vein rock
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with probable native gold and iron-oxide/sulfide minerals
Category: mineral
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$50 as an attractive common specimen; potentially $100–$1,000+ if confirmed to contain visible native gold, depending on weight, aesthetics, and assay.

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 hydrothermal vein material formed when mineral-rich fluids deposited quartz and metallic minerals in fractures, commonly during Precambrian to Phanerozoic mountain-building events. Exact age and locality require provenance or laboratory analysis.

Uses & applications

Gold-bearing quartz is collected as an ore specimen and occasionally used for jewelry or display; quartz itself is widely used in glass, electronics, and construction aggregate. Economic value depends almost entirely on assayed gold content.

Geological facts

Native gold is malleable and usually bright yellow, while pyrite is harder, brittle, and commonly brassy with cubic crystals. A specific-gravity test, streak test, acid testing, and especially fire assay or XRF are needed for reliable identification.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal gold districts worldwide, including Australia, California, Nevada, Canada, and South Africa. Look for metallic yellow flecks in fractures, but do not assume gold from color alone; avoid damaging the specimen before testing.