Native Crystalline Gold in Quartz Matrix
Raw Gold Ore (Matrix Specimen) · Natural Native Yellow Gold; appearing in its raw geological form within a host rock.
Purity: High-purity native gold, typically ranging from 20K to 23K (83% to 97% pure gold content) depending on the locality's silver and copper ratio.
Type
Raw Gold Ore (Matrix Specimen)
Purity
High-purity native gold, typically ranging from 20K to 23K (83% to 97% pure gold content) depending on the locality's silver and copper ratio.
Gold Type
Natural Native Yellow Gold; appearing in its raw geological form within a host rock.
Weight
Total specimen weight estimated between 50g and 150g; visible gold content likely represents less than 1-2 grams of the total mass.
Description
A classic example of lode gold found in situ. The specimen features fine crystalline gold wires and grains embedded within a fractured milky quartz matrix. This type of 'specimen gold' is highly prized by collectors as it shows the metal in its original state before being eroded into placer gold.
Key Features
Metallic yellow flecks that do not shatter when poked (malleability), association with quartz, and lack of distinctive 'fool's gold' crystal shapes.
Color & Finish
Vivid metallic buttery yellow gold with a natural sectile luster; quartz matrix is milky-white to translucent with iron-oxide staining (limonite) appearing brown/red.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; as a natural mineral specimen, there are no stamps. Authenticity is determined by crystalline structure and geological traits.
Dimensions Estimate
Specimen roughly 5cm x 4cm x 3cm; gold inclusions are micro-crystalline to 2mm in size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the host mineral is massive Quartz (SiO2) which is the primary gangue mineral in gold-bearing hydrothermal veins.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw mineral specimen.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; raw mineral specimen.
Craftsmanship Details
Naturally formed through high-pressure hydrothermal fluid deposition in geological fractures; no human craftsmanship present.
Authentication Indicators
The gold exhibits the correct buttery yellow color regardless of light angle. High magnification shows irregular, hackly crystalline edges typical of native gold, unlike cubes of pyrite or plates of mica.
Origin & Maker
Natural geological formation; possibly sourced from a mother-lode district such as the California Mother Lode or Australian Victorian Goldfields.
Era & Period
Geological/Natural History; modern collection specimen potentially from a lode deposit.
Age Estimate
Formed hundreds of millions of years ago during hydrothermal mineralization events; recently extracted from a mining locale.
Cultural Significance
Gold-in-quartz has historically been the primary target of hard-rock mining since the 19th-century gold rushes, symbolizing the source of wealth for many industrial nations.
Condition Notes
Natural/Unprocessed condition. Small fractures in the quartz matrix are visible. Gold flakes appear securely embedded. Wear grade: Raw Mineral Specimen.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued as a mineral specimen. Collector value for visible gold in quartz usually commands a 2x to 5x premium over the spot gold price of the metal contained.
Care & Maintenance
Handle with care as quartz can be brittle. Clean with distilled water only. Avoid harsh acids unless specifically removing matrix material. Store in a padded display case.
Similar Items
Pyrite (Iron Sulfide) or Chalcopyrite. These 'fool's golds' are brassier, brittle, and often form geometric cubes or pyritohedrons unlike the irregular form of real gold.
Interesting Facts
Most gold is found in tiny, invisible particles; specimens where gold is visible to the naked eye like this represent a very small fraction of all mined gold.