Natural Gold-Bearing Ore Specimen in Quartz Matrix
Raw Gold Ore (Lode Gold) · Native Gold (Natural Alloy with Silver/Electrum)
Purity: Likely 20K to 23K (83-96%) within the visible metallic flecks. As an ore specimen, the total gold content is a fraction of the total rock mass.
Type
Raw Gold Ore (Lode Gold)
Purity
Likely 20K to 23K (83-96%) within the visible metallic flecks. As an ore specimen, the total gold content is a fraction of the total rock mass.
Gold Type
Native Gold (Natural Alloy with Silver/Electrum)
Weight
Indeterminate from image; visually suggests a hand-held specimen approximately 50-150 grams total weight. The actual gold weight is likely measured in grains or milligrams.
Description
This is a raw lode gold specimen featuring visible native gold disseminated through a mineralized matrix. The gold exhibits the classic 'hackly' fracture and high-luster yellow hue characteristic of high-purity native metal. The surrounding host rock appears to be an oxidized quartz, often referred to by miners as 'rotten' or 'gossan' ore due to the presence of iron oxides that give it a dark, earthy appearance.
Key Features
Visible 'free gold' inclusions, lack of crystal symmetry indicating native metal rather than pyrite, and association with oxidized quartz matrix.
Color & Finish
Vivid buttery yellow metallic inclusions set against a dark, ferruginous (iron-stained) and grey quartz matrix. Surface is unrefined, jagged, and naturally crystalline.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; natural geological specimens do not contain man-made stamps or hallmarks.
Dimensions Estimate
Estimated 4cm x 5cm x 2cm; roughly the size of a small palm stone or large matchbox.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones. Inlays consist of natural quartz, iron oxides (limonite/goethite), and potentially sulfide minerals.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw mineral specimen.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; non-jewelry item.
Craftsmanship Details
N/A - This is a natural geological formation created by hydrothermal fluids under intense heat and pressure.
Authentication Indicators
Sectility (gold can be cut or dented rather than shattering like pyrite), high-density metallic luster, and lack of striations typical of fool's gold.
Origin & Maker
Natural geological origin; likely from a lode deposit (vein gold). Specific mine unknown without locality data.
Era & Period
Geological / Pre-history; formed millions of years ago through hydrothermal deposition.
Age Estimate
Geological age usually ranges from 50 million to 2 billion years; recently extracted (modern era).
Cultural Significance
Represents the primary source of wealth that fueled historic gold rushes in California, the Klondike, and Australia.
Condition Notes
Raw/Natural. The specimen shows jagged edges and surface oxidation consistent with raw ore extraction. Presence of 'dirty' gold indicates it has not been chemically cleaned.
Value Estimate
Value is based on 'specimen premium' rather than just melt. Estimated $50 - $250 depending on the total weight of recoverable gold and aesthetic appeal to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry. Do not use harsh chemicals which may dissolve the host matrix. Clean only with distilled water and a soft brush if necessary.
Similar Items
Pyrite (Fool's Gold), Chalcopyrite, or Arsenopyrite specimens. Unlike these, native gold remains bright and does not tarnish or shatter.
Interesting Facts
Most of the world's gold is found in microscopic particles within such rocks; finding 'visible gold' specimens like this is relatively rare in commercial mining today.