mineral

Gold Quartz (Auriferous Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with trace Gold (Au) and Iron Oxides

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, gray, or milky quartz with yellow-to-brown iron staining and potential metallic gold inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures in the Earth's crust, often associated with metamorphic or magmatic activity. Usually found in orogenic gold deposits.

Uses & applications

Primary source for gold mining; used for lapidary work, jewelry (gold-in-quartz), and as high-interest specimens for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is often called "the mother of gold" because gold and quartz are frequently geochemically paired in vein deposits. Most gold mined throughout history has come from such quartz vein systems.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for 'rusty' or 'vuggy' quartz veins (gossan) that indicate high mineralization. Found in historic gold-mining regions like California (Mother Lode), Australia, and Alaska.

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

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic