mineral

Gold-bearing quartz vein specimen

Native gold (Au) in quartz (SiO₂), likely with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Quartz is typically translucent white to gray with vitreous luster and hardness 7; gold is bright yellow, metallic, extremely malleable, and hardness about 2.5–3. The angular quartz fragments and yellow-brown staining suggest a fractured hydrothermal vein, though some yellow material could be iron sulfide or mica rathe…

Identified August 12, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing quartz vein specimen
Scientific name: Native gold (Au) in quartz (SiO₂), likely with iron-oxide staining
Category: mineral
Identified: August 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $20–$200 for an ordinary quartz specimen; $200–$2,000+ if it contains confirmed visible gold, depending mainly on gold weight, locality, aesthetics, and provenance.

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

Formed when hot, mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids deposited quartz and native gold in fractures, later exposed and weathered; the specimen’s exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Gold is used in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and investment; quartz is used in glass, abrasives, engineered stone, and collecting. Attractive natural specimens have collector value beyond metal content.

Geological facts

Visible gold is commonly associated with quartz veins and may occur as flakes, wires, grains, or masses. A reliable identification requires testing because pyrite, chalcopyrite, and yellow mica can resemble gold.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in hydrothermal vein districts, including California, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Nevada. Gold bends or smears under a steel point, whereas pyrite crumbles; streak, density, acid, and assay tests should be performed professionally.