Raw Gold-Bearing Quartz Specimen
Raw Gold (Nugget, Ore, Matrix) · Natural Native Gold in Quartz/Ironstone Matrix
Purity: Estimated 20K to 23K (83% - 97% purity) for the native gold content
Type
Raw Gold (Nugget, Ore, Matrix)
Purity
Estimated 20K to 23K (83% - 97% purity) for the native gold content
Gold Type
Natural Native Gold in Quartz/Ironstone Matrix
Weight
5 lbs 12.2 oz (Approx. 2,614 grams) - Total gross weight of mineral and metal
Description
A massive hard-rock gold specimen consisting of gold-bearing quartz. The gold is visible as fine veins and pockets disseminated throughout the host rock. This is a primary gold deposit specimen, meaning the gold remains attached to the rock where it originally formed via hydrothermal activity, rather than being eroded into a river as a nugget.
Key Features
Large scale, visible 'free-milling' gold, high contrast between gold and host matrix, and significant weight.
Color & Finish
Dull metallic yellow gold visible within a tan, rust-orange, and grey mineral matrix; natural unworked surface
Hallmarks & Stamps
None. Natural geological specimens do not carry hallmarks or stamps.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 8 to 10 inches in length and 3 to 4 inches in width
Gemstones & Inlays
Crystalline quartz and iron-rich host rock (matrix)
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Natural mineral specimen)
Chain & Links
Not applicable (Natural mineral specimen)
Craftsmanship Details
Naturally formed by geological processes; no human craftsmanship involved other than extraction.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic uneven metallic luster of gold; color consistency; presence of quartz matrix; weight density compared to common rock.
Origin & Maker
Naturallly occurring; likely from a hard-rock mining district (e.g., California, Australia, or Alaska)
Era & Period
Geological formation; Contemporary discovery status
Age Estimate
Millions of years since geological formation; recently extracted
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Mother Lode' archetype of the 19th-century gold rushes; highly valued by mineral collectors as a 'museum-grade' piece.
Condition Notes
Natural raw state. Surface shows expected crushing/extraction marks and oxidation of iron minerals. Grade: High-quality mineral specimen.
Value Estimate
$3,000 - $8,000 depending on actual gold-to-rock ratio. Value is based on gold content (determined via specific gravity test) plus a 'specimen premium' for collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent oxidation of iron minerals in the matrix; clean only with soft brushes; do not use chemical cleaners which may tarnish the gold or dissolve the rock.
Similar Items
Alluvial gold nuggets (pure metal), pyritized quartz (Fool's Gold - much lighter and more brittle), or gold-plated decorative rocks.
Interesting Facts
Gold is often found in quartz because both are deposited by hot, mineral-rich water deep in the Earth's crust. Specimens of this size are rare as most such ore is crushed to extract the metal.