mineral

Gold-bearing sulfide ore, likely gossan or quartz-vein material

Native gold (Au) with probable iron oxides/hydroxides and sulfides, possibly quartz matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular, strongly metallic yellow-gold patches occur with dark brown-black rusty material. Native gold is soft (Mohs 2.5–3), malleable, very dense (specific gravity ~19.3), and has a bright metallic luster; iron oxides are typically earthy and reddish-brown to black.…

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Gold-bearing sulfide ore, likely gossan or quartz-vein material
Scientific name: Native gold (Au) with probable iron oxides/hydroxides and sulfides, possibly quartz matrix
Category: mineral
Identified: August 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$5–$50 as an unverified specimen; potentially much more if assay-confirmed native gold, depending on gold content and aesthetics.

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 formed in a hydrothermal vein or weathered sulfide deposit, where gold-bearing sulfides oxidized near the surface into gossan. The specimen’s age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Gold is used in jewelry, electronics, dentistry, and investment; associated ore is economically valuable only if assays show sufficient gold concentration. A small unverified specimen usually has modest collector value.

Geological facts

The yellow material may be gold, but brassy chalcopyrite or weathered sulfide can look similar. Gold does not tarnish readily and bends or smears rather than crumbling.

Field identification & locations

The reported Yemen-area location is geologically plausible for hydrothermal mineralization, but visual identification is uncertain. Test with a streak/softness comparison and professional fire assay or XRF; do not rely on color alone. Common regional possibilities include gold-bearing quartz-sulfide or copper sulfide ore.