High-Grade Natural Raw Gold In Quartz Host Rock
Raw Gold (Specimen, Nugget-in-Matrix) · Yellow Gold (Natural Native Alloy with Silver/Copper)
Purity: Natural Purity (Approx. 20K - 22K / 83% - 92% Gold Content)
Type
Raw Gold (Specimen, Nugget-in-Matrix)
Purity
Natural Purity (Approx. 20K - 22K / 83% - 92% Gold Content)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Natural Native Alloy with Silver/Copper)
Weight
Estimated Gold Content 5g - 15g (Total specimen weight likely 50g+)
Description
A stunning high-grade gold specimen featuring visible native yellow gold disseminated through a rugged quartz matrix. The gold exhibits a classic dendritic or 'popcorn' texture, emerging from the host rock in clusters. The presence of reddish-brown iron staining suggests the gold was found in an oxidized 'gossan' zone near the surface.
Key Features
Native yellow color, jagged crystalline growth, quartz matrix integration, lack of water-worn rounding (suggestive of lode gold)
Color & Finish
Deep Butter Yellow Gold; Host rock is matte grey/white quartz with iron oxide staining (rust-red/brown)
Hallmarks & Stamps
None (Natural geological specimen)
Dimensions Estimate
Estimated 4cm x 6cm x 3cm (Hand-held specimen size)
Gemstones & Inlays
Natural Milky/Crystalline Quartz host; possible Iron Pyrite or Galena inclusions
Clasp & Closure
None (Raw geological material)
Chain & Links
None (Natural crystalline structure/Dendritic growth)
Craftsmanship Details
Natural crystalline formation; intricate interface between metallic gold and silicon dioxide (quartz).
Authentication Indicators
Color depth (unlike brassy pyrite), jagged fracture, integration into matrix (hard to fake with glue), lack of green verdigris.
Origin & Maker
Natural Mother Earth (Likely Western USA, Australia, or Canadian Shield)
Era & Period
Geological Formation (Millions of years old; Archean to Cenozoic eras)
Age Estimate
Late Cenozoic to Archean (Formed deep in Earth's crust millions of years ago)
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Rush' archetype; used historically as a direct indicator for lode mining (finding the 'Mother Lode').
Condition Notes
Natural Raw Condition; rough surface with geological debris and iron mineralization; no artificial cleaning evident.
Value Estimate
Collector Value $800 - $2,500 (Significant premium over melt value for aesthetic matrix specimens).
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with distilled water and an ultrasonic cleaner if necessary; avoid acids that dissolve quartz; store in a padded gem jar.
Similar Items
Gold-bearing Pyrite (Fool's Gold), Chalcopyrite, or Gold-plated Quartz (Fake/Tourist items).
Interesting Facts
Most gold is found as microscopic particles; visible gold in quartz like this represents less than 1% of all gold mined.