Medium - Large Quartz Crystals – Victorian Goldfields: Specimen 21

Notable Features

This quartz crystal specimen weighs 1035 g and measures approximately 140 × 100 × 100 mm (Width × Length × Height). It displays a High sulfide level, with broken large quartz crystals showing white, orange, and pink coloration.

Notable features include chunky broken quartz crystal faces, some larger well formed and unbroken crystals, vibrant orange-pink staining, and heavy sulfide inclusions.

This specimen was photographed while wet to highlight crystal colors and details. If buyers wish to achieve a similar look, applying a light coat of mineral oil will enhance the appearance.

Sulfide Level

High – Sulfides are strongly developed throughout the specimen, with abundant metallic inclusions and significant oxidation staining. Likely minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, and arsenopyrite.

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

Mineral Assemblage

• Quartz – White, orange, and pink, large broken crystals

• Pyrite – Abundant clusters and flecks

• Chalcopyrite – Possible brassy inclusions

• Arsenopyrite – Steel-grey metallic specks

• Stibnite – [not evident]

• Tetrahedrite – [not evident]

• Iron oxides – Orange and red staining throughout

• Trace gold and silver (mostly refractory, with rare free gold possible)

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 forces fractured submarine fan sediments in the Victorian Goldfields. Silica-rich hydrothermal fluids surged through these fractures and cooled slowly, crystallizing into quartz rather than the massive milky quartz common in Victoria.

Depending on conditions, the quartz developed as large white, orange, and pink crystals, here preserved as broken crystal faces, with sulfides such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, stibnite, and tetrahedrite deposited alongside. Over time, iron oxides added further color and contrast.

The Victorian Goldfields were historically mined for gold, silver, and antimony. While most of the precious metals are refractory and locked within sulfides, rare specimens containing visible free gold are known.

This specimen is not sold as “gold ore.” It is a collector’s specimen, chosen for its large broken crystal faces, strong orange-pink staining, and high sulfide mineralization, and for its geological significance as a fragment of one of Australia’s most famous gold regions.