mineral
Gold bearing Quartz with Sulfides
Auriferous Quartz with Pyrite/Arsenopyrite (Au + SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Quartz) to 6 (Pyrite); Color: Rusty brown, grey, yellowish-white with metallic inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Quartz), Cubic (Pyrite)
- Hardness
- 7 (Quartz) to 6 (Pyrite)
- Color
- Rusty brown, grey, yellowish-white with metallic inclusions
- Luster
- Vitreous to metallic
Identified More mineral →
Explore Gold bearing Quartz with Sulfides in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Quartz) to 6 (Pyrite); Color: Rusty brown, grey, yellowish-white with metallic inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to metallic; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Quartz), Cubic (Pyrite)
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through crustal fractures, often associated with orogenic belts and volcanic activity.
Uses & applications
Primary source for gold extraction in mining; specimen collecting for prospectors and mineral enthusiasts.
Geological facts
The rusty 'gossan' appearance on the surface is caused by the oxidation of iron-bearing sulfide minerals, which often act as a pathfinder for gold deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify by high density, presence of metallic 'flecks' or sulfides, and heavy iron-oxide staining (rust). Commonly found in historic gold-mining districts.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic