Auriferous Quartz Specimen (Gold-Bearing Ore)
Raw Gold / Mineral Specimen · Natural Native Gold in Yellow alloyed with trace silver.
Purity: Primary gold within such specimens is typically 20K to 23K (83% - 97% purity), though it is currently embedded in host rock which is 0% gold.
Type
Raw Gold / Mineral Specimen
Purity
Primary gold within such specimens is typically 20K to 23K (83% - 97% purity), though it is currently embedded in host rock which is 0% gold.
Gold Type
Natural Native Gold in Yellow alloyed with trace silver.
Weight
Estimated total specimen weight 150g - 250g; Gold content requires crushing/assaying but appears to be low-yield (trace amounts).
Description
This is a piece of auriferous (gold-bearing) quartz ore. The specimen shows significant iron oxide staining, often referred to by prospectors as 'iron hat' or gossan indicators, which frequently signal the presence of gold. The gold in such pieces is often microscopic ('invisible gold') or found in small vugs within the quartz matrix.
Key Features
Iron-stained quartz matrix, lack of crystalline structure in gold (micro-disseminated), and heavy oxidation of sulfide minerals.
Color & Finish
Burnt orange to reddish-brown iron-stained surface; internal quartz appears milky to vitreous (glassy). No metallic luster is clearly visible in the image.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; natural geological formation. No man-made markings.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 70mm x 55mm x 40mm (Hand-sized specimen).
Gemstones & Inlays
Host matrix consists of Quartz (SiO2) with likely Limonite or Hematite iron-oxide inclusions/staining.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Raw mineral specimen).
Chain & Links
Not applicable; rough, uneven natural fracture surfaces.
Craftsmanship Details
Natural hydrothermal formation; no human craftsmanship involved. The detail lies in the crystal habit of the quartz and the mineralization of the iron-oxides.
Authentication Indicators
The orange-red staining is a classic indicator of oxidizing iron-pyrite (sulfides) which are often associated with gold. However, no 'visible' gold is identifiable in this photo—a common trait for lode ore.
Origin & Maker
Natural origin; common in hydrothermal vein deposits (e.g., California, Australia, or West Africa). No human maker.
Era & Period
Geological Formation (likely Cenozoic or Mesozoic depending on location); Recent discovery.
Age Estimate
Geological age: Millions of years; Time since extraction: Likely 1-5 years based on lack of heavy weathering.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Rush' heritage of hard-rock mining, a practice that shaped the economy of the Western United States and Australia.
Condition Notes
Raw/Unprocessed. Surface is dusty and shows typical jagged fractures from mining/extraction. Condition Grade: N/A (Geological Grade).
Value Estimate
Specimen Value: $10 - $50. Melt Value: Negligible without processing. Value is primarily as a geological sample for enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent further oxidation of iron minerals. Use a soft brush for dusting; do not use acid unless intending to dissolve the host rock to reveal gold.
Similar Items
Iron-stained Quartz (Common), Chalcopyrite (Fool's Gold), or Pyrite in Matrix. Differs from 'Gold Nuggets' which have been eroded and smoothed by water.
Interesting Facts
Most of the world's gold is actually extracted from ore that looks like this, where the gold is so small it cannot be seen with the naked eye and must be chemically leached.