mineral

Gold Ore in Quartz

Native Gold (Au) in Quartz (SiO2) matrix

Hardness: Gold 2.5-3, Quartz 7; Color: Metallic yellow gold within white/tan quartz; Luster: Metallic (gold) to Vitreous (quartz); Crystal Structure: Isometric (gold); Specific Gravity: Gold ~19.3, Quartz ~2.65

Hardness: Gold 2
Color: Metallic yellow gold within white/tan quartz
Luster: Metallic (gold) to Vitreous (quartz)

Identified June 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal processes where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through crustal fractures during mountain-building events, cooling to deposit silica and precious metals. Found in quartz veins.

Uses & applications

Primary source for gold extraction used in currency, jewelry, electronics, and medical applications. Raw specimens are highly sought after by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Most of the world's gold is found in tiny, invisible particles within other rocks, but 'specimen gold' like this shows visible grains or wires. California's 1849 Gold Rush was centered around similar quartz vein deposits.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the high density of gold flakes or veins and its characteristic 'buttery' yellow metallic luster that does not tarnish. Found in metamorphic terranes and old volcanic belts like the Sierra Nevada or Witwatersrand.

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