Victorian Goldfields Quartz Specimen – White, Brown & Purple Quartz Crystals: Specimen 14

Notable Features

This quartz specimen weighs 115 g and measures approximately 5 × 5 × 4.5 cm (Width × Length × Height). It features a combination of beautiful quartz crystals, including a distinct brown cluster and sharp white crystals, some of which display a delicate purple hue. Several crystals show classic clear hexagonal forms, making this a visually striking and highly collectible piece. With a low sulfide level, this specimen is valued primarily for its crystal habit and coloration.

Sulfide Level

Low Sulfide Level – Only minor sulfide mineralization is visible. The appeal of this specimen lies in its crystal clarity, purple and brown coloration, and hexagonal crystal development.

See how we rate sulfide levels by visiting our FAQ section.

Mineral Assemblage

• Quartz – white crystals, some with purple hue; clear hexagonal crystal forms

• Brown cluster – quartz stained by iron oxides, adding contrast

• Iron oxides – responsible for brown and subtle purple coloration

• Trace potential: pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, stibnite, tetrahedrite, gold, silver, antimony

Note: Not every specimen contains the full mineral assemblage above. Minerals may appear in varying amounts, and each specimen may only feature a subset. Each piece is unique and chosen for its visual appeal and geological character.

Geological Story

This specimen formed during the Silurian Period (~440–420 million years ago), when tectonic activity fractured submarine fan sediments in the Victorian Goldfields. Silica-rich hydrothermal fluids infiltrated these fractures, cooling slowly and producing well-formed quartz crystals rather than massive milky quartz.

In Specimen 14, the quartz crystallized into clear, sharp hexagonal crystals, with color variations introduced by iron oxides. A brown cluster adds earthy contrast, while subtle purple hues in some crystals highlight secondary mineral inclusions and weathering effects. This specimen demonstrates both the structural beauty and color diversity of quartz veins in Victoria.

The Victorian Goldfields were historically mined for gold, silver, and antimony. Most of the precious metals here are refractory, bound within sulfides, though rare free gold specimens have been reported.

This specimen is not sold as “gold ore.” It is a collector’s piece, valued for its crystal clarity, purple tones, brown contrast, and well-developed hexagonal forms — a geological fragment of the Victorian Goldfields preserved for over 400 million years.