Gold-Bearing Quartz Specimen with Pyrite (Possible Native Gold)
Raw Gold (Nugget, Flake, or Oreface) · Native Yellow Gold / Mineral Inclusion
Purity: Natural Native Gold is typically 20K to 22K (83% - 92% purity); however, the visible brassy inclusions may be Iron Pyrite (Fool's Gold) which contains 0% gold.
Type
Raw Gold (Nugget, Flake, or Oreface)
Purity
Natural Native Gold is typically 20K to 22K (83% - 92% purity); however, the visible brassy inclusions may be Iron Pyrite (Fool's Gold) which contains 0% gold.
Gold Type
Native Yellow Gold / Mineral Inclusion
Weight
40 - 60 grams (total specimen weight)
Description
A raw mineral specimen featuring a dark, fine-grained host rock matrix cross-cut by milky quartz veins. The specimen displays prominent metallic, brassy clusters. While these exhibit the 'mirror-like' flash associated with Pyrite (Fool's Gold), they are found in a classic 'Gold-in-Quartz' geological setting. The structure is jagged and unpolished, showing raw hydrothermal vein activity.
Key Features
Hydrothermal quartz veining, metallic cubic/granular inclusions, and fractured host rock contact zones.
Color & Finish
Brassy, metallic luster on inclusions; translucent milky-to-white for quartz; dark grey to black for host rock (likely basalt or schist).
Hallmarks & Stamps
None (Natural geological specimen)
Dimensions Estimate
50mm x 40mm x 25mm
Gemstones & Inlays
Crystalline Quartz (host mineral) and Iron Pyrite or Arsenopyrite (metallic inclusions).
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Rough geological specimen)
Chain & Links
Not applicable
Craftsmanship Details
Natural mineralization; crystalline growth following tectonic fracturing and hydrothermal fluid injection.
Authentication Indicators
Visual 'Red Flag': The metallic inclusions show brittle, faceted edges and a brassy-greenish tint, suggesting Pyrite rather than the soft, buttery-yellow, malleable appearance of true Native Gold. Streak test or scratch test recommended.
Origin & Maker
Natural geological formation; commonly found in orogenic gold deposits (e.g., California, Australia, or West Africa).
Era & Period
Geological/Prehistoric (Formation likely millions of years old)
Age Estimate
Primary mineralization likely 50 million to 2 billion years old depending on locality.
Cultural Significance
Representing the 'Gold Rush' era of prospecting; symbolizes the raw wealth of the earth and the primary source of all refined gold.
Condition Notes
Rough/Raw. Natural fractures present. Mineral integrity is intact but uncleaned. Surface exhibits common oxidation.
Value Estimate
Specimen value: $10 - $30 as a mineral sample. If native gold is proven via assay, value would be based on gold spot price plus a collector's premium.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; certain sulfide minerals can degrade if exposed to high humidity. Clean only with distilled water and a soft brush.
Similar Items
Chalcopyrite (peacock ore), Arsenopyrite, and Native Gold nuggets. Gold nuggets are softer and have no crystal faces.
Interesting Facts
Pyrite and Gold are often 'cousins' in the ground; they form in the same hydrothermal vents, meaning gold may be microscopically trapped inside the pyrite crystals shown.