mineral

Likely gold-bearing quartz vein rock

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly with native gold and iron sulfides/oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular, pale gray to honey-colored quartz with granular metallic-looking inclusions; quartz hardness 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, specific gravity 2.65. The brassy grains may instead be pyrite or chalcopyrite; gold cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified September 12, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Likely gold-bearing quartz vein rock
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), possibly with native gold and iron sulfides/oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: September 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$20 as an ordinary quartz/pyrite specimen; potentially $50–$500+ if verified to contain visible 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, where silica-rich fluids filled fractures and deposited quartz plus sulfide minerals; age depends on the host deposit and cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz vein material is mainly a collector specimen; gold-bearing ore may be mined for precious metal, while quartz has industrial uses in glass, ceramics, and electronics.

Geological facts

Native gold is soft, malleable, and remains bright yellow, whereas pyrite is brittle and commonly tarnishes. A streak, hardness, density, and professional assay are needed for identification.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal districts worldwide, including Nevada, California, Australia, and Canada. Gold is malleable and leaves a yellow streak; pyrite typically scratches glass but crumbles under force and leaves a dark streak.