Raw Natural Gold-Bearing Quartz Ore
Raw Gold (Lode/Ore) · Native Yellow Gold within a Silica/Quartz host matrix.
Purity: Natural gold in ore typically ranges from 70-95% (17K-23K), but the total gold content within the host rock (grade) is likely less than 1% by volume.
Type
Raw Gold (Lode/Ore)
Purity
Natural gold in ore typically ranges from 70-95% (17K-23K), but the total gold content within the host rock (grade) is likely less than 1% by volume.
Gold Type
Native Yellow Gold within a Silica/Quartz host matrix.
Weight
Estimated 80-120 grams (based on size/density of the rock in hand).
Description
A rugged example of auriferous (gold-bearing) quartz ore. This specimen shows native gold mineralization embedded within a hard-rock matrix. Unlike alluvial nuggets, this piece represents lode gold, requiring crushing and chemical processing to extract metallic gold, or preservation as a mineral specimen.
Key Features
Angular fracture patterns, metallic luster of gold inclusions, quartz-rich matrix, and heavy specific gravity due to mineral density.
Color & Finish
Vivid brassy-yellow metallic flecks contrasted against a dull, earthy grey and white quartz-rich host rock. Surface is rough, crystalline, and unpolished.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; natural specimen. Geological features like striations and vugs serve as 'nature's hallmarks'.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 55mm x 40mm x 25mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
Natural Quartz (matrix), possibly containing trace amounts of pyrite (fool's gold) or arsenopyrite.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw mineral specimen.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; irregular crystalline and geological structure.
Craftsmanship Details
Natural mineralization; indicates hydrothermal deposition where gold-rich fluids cooled within rock fissures.
Authentication Indicators
Sectility (gold is soft/malleable vs brittle pyrite), deep yellow color under varying light, and high density for its size. No green oxidation present.
Origin & Maker
Unknown natural locality; characteristic of hard-rock mining regions (e.g., California Mother Lode, Australian Goldfields, or African Shield).
Era & Period
Geological/Modern discovery; formed millions of years ago, recently extracted.
Age Estimate
Geological age: Archean to Cenozoic; Extraction: Modern (within last 5 years).
Cultural Significance
Represents the primary source of wealth and the catalyst for historical Gold Rushes that shaped modern nations like the USA and Australia.
Condition Notes
Fair/Rough; typical for raw ore. High amount of host rock (gangue) relative to visible gold. Sharp edges indicate recent extraction from a vein.
Value Estimate
Primarily specimen value: $20-$100 depending on the percentage of visible gold. Melt value is negligible until refined.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; sensitive to acids. Store in a display case to prevent crumbling of the host matrix or loss of fine gold flakes.
Similar Items
Pyrite (brittle, darker yellow), Chalcopyrite (softer, iridescent), or Gold-bearing Gossan (iron-rich rusty rock).
Interesting Facts
Most of the world's gold is extracted from ore like this using cyanide leaching or gravity separation; it often takes one ton of this rock to produce just 5-10 grams of pure gold.