Gold in Victoria is generaly associated with Lower Palaeozoic rocks. Grains, films, &c., of gold occur native, from microscopic size to large masses, both in matrix (reef gold) and in the gravels, sands, &c. (alluvial gold). Crystalline gold with definite crystal faces ranges from microscopic size at Chiltern, Kamarooka, &c., to crystals an ounce in weight and more at Gaffney Creek, Ballarat, Creswick, &c. Crystalline gold is exceptionally pure. All native gold contains some silver. The average silver-content of gold bought by the Mint is 4 Per cent., but gold from Walhalla contained 15 per cent.; and from St Arnaud, 50 per cent. Gold alloyed with bismuth is known as Maldonite ("smut") at Maldon. It is frequently found in "buck" quartz carrying no other minerals, but more frequently the gangues carries ores of iron, zinc, lead, antimony, copper, bismuth, &c.
Native gold is never mistaken for any other mineral, but some substances are frequently mistaken for gold; for instance, yellow mica, pyrites, especially chalcopyrite (new chum gold) and iridescent films of iron oxide on quartz. Brass from cartridges and residue from camp fires are a frequent source of unnecessary excitement to the new chum when disclosed in the dish. Mica is readily distinguished by its platy character and lighter weight, and the fact that it pulverizes readily. Chalcopyrite and pyrite are both easily crushed, and are non-malleable. Gold is yellow, soft, malleable , very heavy, not affected by acid, and visible no matter in what position the sample is held. A feature of the older leads is "black gold", i.e., gold coated with a thin film of black oxide of manganese. In auriferous shoots in lodes gold is usually disseminated as small particles; in spurs it is frequently shotty; and in indicator veins it forms large lumps, "specimens", or "slugs".
This was not intended as to copy write and all credit should be given to the department of mines, Victoria
PROSPECTORS GUIDE
1958
