Ruby Red & White Quartz Crystals – Victorian Goldfields: Specimen 19

Notable Features

This quartz crystal specimen weighs 1715 g and measures approximately 16 × 16 × 8 cm (Width × Length × Height). It displays a Low sulfide level, with striking ruby red quartz crystals alongside the usual white quartz, hosted in vivid red bedrock.

Notable features include large visible quartz crystal clusters, contrasting red and white colors, and an impressive display size.

Sulfide Level

Low – Minimal sulfide mineralization visible. Trace pyrite or arsenopyrite may be present, but quartz crystal growth dominates the specimen.

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

Mineral Assemblage

• Quartz – Ruby red and white, forming large crystal clusters

• Pyrite – Trace, if present

• Chalcopyrite – [not evident]

• Arsenopyrite – [not evident]

• Stibnite – [not evident]

• Tetrahedrite – [not evident]

• Iron oxides – Red coloration of host rock and staining of quartz

• 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 ruby red and white crystal clusters hosted in vivid red bedrock, 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 ruby red quartz crystals, dramatic color contrast, and impressive size, and for its geological significance as a fragment of one of Australia’s most famous gold regions.