How to Interpret Gold Grade Within Quartz Veins

Interpret the grade of gold within quartz.

Gold may be found within quartz veins most commonly in the southwestern United States, particularly in the Mother Lode region of Mariposa County. When you find gold within quartz, do not remove it from the quartz as it is more valuable to collectors when left within the quartz. There are ways to interpret the gold grade while still within the quartz's veins.

Things You'll Need

• Internet

Instructions

1. Look for veins of quartz in the side of hills or cliffs in a gold mining region. The gold will sometimes be mixed in with a bluish color which is sulphides. The quartz itself may be many different colors depending on what is inside of it besides gold and sulphides and also depending on the region where you found it.

2. Remove quartz from a vein that you suspect has gold inside. The walls of the quartz may have gold visible. A good place to check is on a diagonal section of the gold vein.

3. Take your gold quartz to a refinery or assayer to determine the grade of gold, the amount of gold and the value. (See Resources Section below.)

Tips & Warnings

• Check for reviews on the Internet to determine the reputation of the assayer refiner you are considering.

References

• Nevada Outback Gems: California Quartz Veins
• YouTube: Comstock Quartz Vein

Resources

• Metallix Refining
• Precious Metal Assayers