Victorian Goldfields Quartz Specimen – Hexagonal Crystals with Red, Brown, Orange & Pink Veining: Specimen 16

Notable Features

This quartz specimen weighs 1,127 g and measures approximately 13.5 × 11 × 5 cm (Width × Length × Height). It features beautifully developed hexagonal quartz crystals striking through the bedrock, showing off the classic geometry of quartz crystal growth. The specimen displays vibrant colors in red, brown, orange, and pink, creating a visually rich surface. With a moderate to high sulfide level, metallic inclusions add further depth and character.

Sulfide Level

Moderate to High Sulfide Level – Sulfides including pyrite and chalcopyrite are present in notable amounts, occurring along fracture zones and within crystal faces. These enrich the specimen with metallic sparkle and provide strong mineralogical contrast against the colored quartz.

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

Mineral Assemblage

• Quartz – hexagonal crystal forms in red, brown, orange, and pink coloration

• Pyrite – visible clusters and metallic flecks

• Chalcopyrite – brassy-golden inclusions

• Tetrahedrite – possible dark inclusions adding contrast

• Iron oxides – staining responsible for the rich red, orange, and pink hues

• Trace potential: arsenopyrite, stibnite, 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 forces fractured the submarine fan sediments of the Victorian Goldfields. Silica-rich hydrothermal fluids rose through these fractures, depositing quartz and sulfides as they cooled.

In Specimen 16, the quartz grew into well-defined hexagonal crystals, filling fractures in the bedrock and displaying a vivid palette of red, brown, orange, and pink from iron oxide staining. Sulfide minerals including pyrite and chalcopyrite are present throughout, giving the specimen its moderate to high sulfide character. This combination of sharp crystal habit, intense coloration, and metallic mineralization makes it a showcase-quality piece.

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

This specimen is not sold as “gold ore.” It is a collector’s specimen, valued for its hexagonal crystal development, rich coloration, and sulfide enrichment, representing the geological history of Victoria over 400 million years.