mineral

Native gold in quartz matrix

Native gold (Au), with quartz (SiO₂) and possibly sulfide minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brassy yellow metallic patches and pale quartz in a dark, irregular matrix; gold is Mohs 2.5–3, malleable, cubic, and very dense (~19.3 g/cm³). The specimen appears rough and partly crystalline, but the image alone cannot confirm the metal or identify the dark minerals.

Identified September 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Gold-bearing hydrothermal fluids deposited gold and quartz in fractures, commonly in ancient lode veins; such deposits occur in rocks of many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Gold is used in jewelry, investment, electronics, and dentistry; attractive gold-in-quartz specimens are collected and sometimes fashioned into jewelry.

Geological facts

Native gold commonly occurs with quartz and sulfides, and its malleability and high density help distinguish it from look-alikes such as pyrite.

Field identification & locations

Look for yellow metal that stays yellow when viewed from different angles and can flatten rather than crumble; confirm with density or professional testing. Gold-quartz specimens occur in mining districts worldwide, including Australia, California, and South Africa.