Where is Quartz with Sulfides found?
SiO2 with sulfide minerals (e.g., pyrite, chalcopyrite)
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Open the appQuartz with Sulfides 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 Sulfides
Nevada, USA
Famous for epithermal gold-silver deposits (e.g., Carlin Trend, Comstock Lode) where quartz veins with pyrite, arsenopyrite, and other sulfides are common.
Cornwall, UK
Historic tin and copper mining district, with quartz-cassiterite-sulfide veins (e.g., chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite).
Andes Mountains (Chile, Peru)
World-class porphyry copper deposits and associated epithermal/mesothermal veins, featuring quartz with chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite.
Canadian Shield (Ontario, Quebec)
Numerous gold deposits (e.g., Abitibi Greenstone Belt) where gold is often associated with pyrite and arsenopyrite in quartz veins.
Broken Hill, Australia
A major lead-zinc-silver deposit with quartz, galena, sphalerite, and other sulfides.
Collecting tips
- Look for Veins and Alteration. Search for quartz veins cutting through host rocks, especially in areas with signs of hydrothermal alteration (e.g., sericitization, silicification, pyritization).
- Identify Metallic Luster. The presence of metallic-looking minerals within a glassy or milky quartz matrix is a strong indicator of sulfides.
- Check for Heavy Weight. Many sulfide minerals (e.g., galena, pyrite) have higher specific gravities than quartz, so a quartz specimen that feels unusually heavy for its size may contain sulfides.
- Observe Crystal Habits. Distinct crystal forms of sulfides (e.g., cubic pyrite) within quartz can be diagnostic.
- Use a Hand Lens. A hand lens (10x magnification) can help resolve fine-grained sulfides disseminated within the quartz.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (clear, white, gray quartz with metallic yellow, gray, or black sulfide inclusions)
- Luster:
- Vitreous (quartz) and Metallic (sulfides)
- Streak:
- White (quartz); Sulfides have characteristic streaks (e.g., greenish-black for pyrite, grayish-black for galena, brownish for sphalerite)
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