mineral

Native Gold in Quartz Host

Hydrothermal Gold (Au) in Quartz (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 2.5-3 (Gold) and 7 (Quartz). Color: Metallic yellow gold within creamy white to grey host. Luster: Metallic. Crystal structure: Isometric (Gold), Trigonal (Quartz). Specific Gravity: 19.3 (Gold).

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic yellow gold within creamy white to grey host
Luster: Metallic

Identified July 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through crustal fractures, depositing gold and quartz as they cool. Typically found in orogenic gold deposits or placer deposits after erosion.

Uses & applications

Primary source of gold for currency, jewelry, electronics, and global investment. Small specimens like these are highly sought after by collectors and prospectors.

Geological facts

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements and is solid under standard conditions. Most native gold contains traces of silver and copper.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high density (heaviness), malleability (it dents rather than shatters), and persistent metallic yellow color under shade. Found in quartz veins or as grains in stream beds.