Gold Ore Specimen with Crystalline Quartz and Possible Iron Sulfides
Raw Gold Ore (Lode Gold) · Native Gold (Yellow Gold in natural mineral state)
Purity: Natural gold 18K-22K within host rock (estimative purity 75-92% of the visible metallic particles, not the total rock)
Type
Raw Gold Ore (Lode Gold)
Purity
Natural gold 18K-22K within host rock (estimative purity 75-92% of the visible metallic particles, not the total rock)
Gold Type
Native Gold (Yellow Gold in natural mineral state)
Weight
45-65 grams (total specimen weight based on hand-held scale)
Description
A raw mineral specimen of lode gold or 'auriferous quartz.' The piece features a predominantly white to grey quartz matrix with visible voids or vugs. Within these vugs and on the surface, metallic clusters are visible. The brownish-orange staining indicates 'iron hat' or gossan-type oxidation, often associated with gold-bearing veins.
Key Features
Crystalline quartz matrix, vuggy texture, metallic mineral inclusions, iron oxide staining
Color & Finish
Dull to brassy yellow metallic inclusions; white, grey, and rust-stained quartz host rock; matte surface
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; natural geological formation lacks assay marks or stamps
Dimensions Estimate
Approx. 40mm x 35mm x 25mm
Gemstones & Inlays
None; contains natural quartz crystals and likely pyrite/arsenopyrite inclusions
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable
Chain & Links
Not applicable; jagged, crystalline matrix structure
Craftsmanship Details
Natural geological formation via hydrothermal deposition; no human craftsmanship present
Authentication Indicators
Sectility (gold can be cut or dented, unlike pyrite), streak test (gold leaves yellow streak), presence in quartz vein material
Origin & Maker
Unknown mining district; likely hard-rock mining origin from North America or Australia
Era & Period
Modern natural specimen (Geologically millions of years old)
Age Estimate
Geological age: Paleozoic to Cenozoic; Extraction: Recent (last 20 years)
Cultural Significance
Represents the primary source of wealth and the target of 19th-century gold rushes (e.g., California, Klondike)
Condition Notes
Very Good; natural raw state with edges intact; minor crumbling typical of host rock; stains from oxidation
Value Estimate
$20 - $100 (Primarily specimen/mineral value unless high-grade gold content is confirmed)
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; do not clean with harsh chemicals; store in a padded specimen box to prevent crumbling of quartz
Similar Items
Iron Pyrite (Fool's Gold), Chalcopyrite, Arsenopyrite, Mica-rich Granite
Interesting Facts
The majority of gold is found in quartz veins like this; it often requires crushing and chemical processing to extract the actual metal.