mineral

Quartz-rich gold-bearing rock (possible quartz vein ore)

Hydrothermal quartz vein; predominantly SiO₂, with possible iron oxides/sulfides and minor native gold

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to gray, granular/vuggy quartz with rusty yellow-brown staining and dark matrix; quartz hardness ~7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, specific gravity ~2.65. The metallic yellow areas may be pyrite or weathered sulfides rather than gold; image alone cannot confirm.

Identified September 10, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-rich gold-bearing rock (possible quartz vein ore)
Scientific name: Hydrothermal quartz vein; predominantly SiO₂, with possible iron oxides/sulfides and minor native gold
Category: mineral
Identified: September 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$5–$30 as an attractive common quartz specimen; potentially much more only if laboratory testing confirms recoverable native gold.

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 when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures and deposited quartz plus sulfide minerals in bedrock, commonly during Precambrian to younger mountain-building events; exact age and locality require testing.

Uses & applications

Quartz vein material is mainly a collector specimen or possible assay ore; associated gold, if present, has jewelry and monetary value. It has little construction value as an isolated hand specimen.

Geological facts

Brassy pyrite (“fool’s gold”) is angular, brittle, and often tarnishes, while native gold is soft, malleable, and remains yellow; visible gold cannot be reliably identified from a photograph.

Field identification & locations

Common in gold districts worldwide, including Nevada, California, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Test with a streak plate, hardness, density, magnetism, and professional fire assay; do not crush without safety precautions.