Gold in Quartz Matrix
Native Gold on Quartz (Alpha Quartz var. Milky Quartz) · Precious Gemstone / Native Element Specimen
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric) for Gold; Trigonal for Quartz. Habit is typically dendritic, wire-like, or massive nuggets within crystalline or massive quartz.
Mineral Group
Native Elements (Gold); Silicates (Quartz - Tectosilicate)
Chemical Formula
Au (Native element) with traces of Ag, Cu, or Fe; Matrix: SiO2
Formation Process
Hydrothermal; formed from hot, mineral-rich fluids circulating through fractures in the Earth's crust at high temperatures and pressures, often in association with orogenic belts.
About This Crystal
Visible yellow metallic flakes and grains of gold embedded in a weathered, iron-stained quartz host rock. The gold exhibits a rich metallic luster and sits within a matrix that appears opaque to translucent with secondary iron oxide staining.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Golden-yellow; Streak: Golden-yellow; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Hackly (gold), Conchoidal (quartz); Specific Gravity: 15.6-19.3 (pure gold); Tenacity: Highly malleable and ductile.
Optical Properties
Opaque (Gold) to Translucent (Quartz). Gold is an isotropic mineral with metallic luster; Quartz is uniaxial positive with vitreous luster and no pleochroism.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include California (Mother Lode), Alaska (Juneau), Australia (Victoria), and the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Often found in hydrothermal quartz veins.
Hardness & Durability
Gold: 2.5-3.0 Mohs (very soft); Quartz: 7.0 Mohs. Gold is very tough but easily scratched; quartz is brittle.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid harsh chemicals such as aqua regia or mercury which dissolve gold. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Quartz is stable, but gold is soft and should be stored away from harder stones to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Extremely high value based on spot price of gold and specimen aesthetics. Natural gold-in-quartz specimens often command a premium over the melt value of the metal contained.
Special Characteristics
Malleability (the gold can be flattened without breaking); high specific gravity makes it heavy for its size. May show association with pyrite or arsenopyrite.
Lore & History
Gold has been the universal standard of wealth since antiquity. Symbolically associated with the Sun, vitality, and divinity. Historically mined for currency, jewelry, and religious artifacts across all major civilizations.