mineral

Gold-bearing Quartz

Quartz (SiO2) with associated pyrite or native gold

Hardness: 7 (Quartz); Color: White, milky, or iron-stained rusty brown; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65 (Quartz) to 19.3 (Gold).

Hardness: 7 (Quartz)
Color: White, milky, or iron-stained rusty brown
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins when hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures in the Earth's crust, often during orogenic (mountain-building) events. Most primary gold deposits are associated with volcanic and metamorphic activity.

Uses & applications

Primary source for gold mining and extraction. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry or as valuable collectors' items highlighting the contrast between the white host rock and the gold.

Geological facts

Iron-stained quartz (limonite/rust) is a classic indicator for prospectors that a quartz vein may be 'live' or mineral-rich. Most 'gold' seen in raw field specimens is actually Chalcopyrite or Pyrite ('Fool's Gold'), but these often occur alongside actual gold.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for 'vuggy' or rusty quartz veins in metamorphic terrain. Check for high density/weight or the malleability of metallic inclusions (gold will dent, pyrite will shatter).

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous