Gold in Quartz
Native Gold in Quartz (Silicon Dioxide) · Mineral Specimen / Precious Metal Ore
Crystal System
Quartz is Trigonal (Hexagonal); Gold is Cubic (Isometric). Habit is massive/vein-filling.
Mineral Group
Quartz: Silicates (Tectosilicates); Gold: Native Element
Chemical Formula
Au (Gold) hosted in SiO2 (Quartz) with traces of FeO(OH) (Limonite/Goethite)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal; formed by hot, mineral-rich fluids precipitating in quartz veins during tectonic activity.
About This Crystal
A white to milky translucent quartz matrix containing disseminated metallic gold specs and brownish-orange iron oxide staining.
Physical Characteristics
Color: White/Gold/Brown; Streak: White (Quartz) / Gold (Gold); Luster: Vitreous to Metallic; Fracture: Conchoidal.
Optical Properties
Quartz is uniaxially positive with RI ~1.544; Gold is opaque with high metallic reflectivity.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
California (Mother Lode), Australia, or Canada; typical of orogenic gold deposits.
Hardness & Durability
Quartz: Mohs 7 (Hard/Durable); Gold: Mohs 2.5-3 (Malleable/Soft). Gold can be scratched easily.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water; avoid harsh acids that may dissolve iron oxide staining if preferred; handle with care to avoid scratching gold.
Rarity & Value
Uncommon to Rare; value is determined by gold weight and specimen aesthetics (jewelry grade vs. ore grade).
Special Characteristics
Presents native metallic gold inclusions; iron oxide 'rust' indicates the weathering of associated sulfide minerals.
Lore & History
Historically central to 'Gold Rushes'; symbolizes wealth and solar energy in traditional lore; quartz is used as an amplifier.