Where is Quartz with Pyrite found?
SiO2 (Quartz) with FeS2 (Pyrite) and other sulfides
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Open the appQuartz with Pyrite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Quartz with Pyrite
Worldwide in hydrothermal ore deposits
Notable examples include the gold districts of California (USA), Western Australia, and the Witwatersrand Basin (South Africa); copper porphyry deposits in Chile and the southwestern USA; lead-zinc deposits in the Mississippi Valley Type (USA) and Broken Hill (Australia); and numerous other base and precious metal mines globally.
Metamorphic terrains
Found in many regions that have undergone regional or contact metamorphism, such as the Appalachian Mountains (USA), the Alps (Europe), and various shield areas.
Sedimentary basins
Common in anoxic marine shales and coal seams, such as those found in the Appalachian Basin (USA) and various European coalfields.
Collecting tips
- Look for Veins. Quartz with sulfides is most commonly found in veins cutting through host rocks. Look for linear features, often lighter in color than the surrounding rock, that may contain metallic specks.
- Check Mine Dumps and Tailings. Abandoned mine sites are excellent places to find specimens, as miners often discarded material that was not rich enough in the primary ore but still contained interesting mineral associations.
- Examine Outcrops in Mineralized Areas. In regions known for mineralization, examine rock outcrops for signs of alteration, gossans (iron-rich weathered caps over sulfide deposits), and visible metallic minerals.
- Use a Hand Lens. A hand lens (10x magnification) is invaluable for identifying small sulfide crystals disseminated within quartz.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Quartz: typically white/clear; Pyrite: brassy yellow
- Luster:
- Quartz: vitreous; Pyrite: metallic
- Streak:
- Quartz: white; Pyrite: greenish-black to brownish-black
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