Is this gold?

[loz88]

Hey guys, I purchased this from a opshop in Castlemaine, Vic. I was unsure what it was but it was quite heavy. I dropped it a few weeks ago and this is what was inside the small corner that cracked off. I was worried it may be native arsnic so i was cautious. Or could it be Hermatite? So confused. Any help would be great greatly appreciated

 

[Bidgee]

Not sure on the rock other than the white one is obviously quartz. As per a similar post this week scratch the "gold" with a sharp instrument like the point of a knife. If it flakes or crumbles it aint gold - probably pyrite. Gold is relatively soft and malleable so it will scratch and mar but not flake or crumble.

 

[loz88]

Not sure on the rock other than the white one is obviously quartz. As per a similar post this week scratch the "gold" with a sharp instrument like the point of a knife. If it flakes or crumbles it aint gold - probably pyrite. Gold is relatively soft and malleable so it will scratch and mar but not flake or crumble.

Thanks Bidgee! I'll give it a scratch later today and let you know how I go. Thanks for the advice

 

[grubstake]

Hey guys, I purchased this from a opshop in Castlemaine, Vic.

As you are probably aware, Castlemaine was a very rich goldfield, so assuming this highly mineralised chunk of quartz came from there, you have a fair chance that the golden material is indeed gold.

If there is a prospecting/detector shop in your vicinity, I would take it in and ask the opinion of the staff. They see gold finds all the time and familiarity breeds recognition - an experienced prospector will usually 'know' gold on sight IMO, without the need to wait for testing.