The most sought-after large gold nuggets are predominantly formed in quartz veins. However, the processes underlying their creation have remained ambiguous. A recent study by geologists in Australia provides important information about where significant veins of this mineral can be discovered. The research concludes that earthquakes generate an electric field in quartz, which subsequently facilitates the deposition of gold nuggets.
In this article we are going to tell you how scientists Giant gold nuggets formed from quartz by earthquakes discovered.
Properties of quartz
Quartz is classified as a piezoelectric mineral, meaning it produces an electric field when subjected to geological stresses, such as those induced by an earthquake. Based on this knowledge, a research team at Monash University in Melbourne conducted laboratory experiments with quartz crystals immersed in a fluid containing dissolved gold. They simulated seismic waves from an earthquake to apply stress to the glass and generate voltage.
It had already been established that primary gold deposits, together with larger nuggets, were concentrated in quartz veins located in seismic zones, called orogenic gold. These veins are the result of pressure exerted by ancient earthquakes. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for the concentration of these important gold nuggets was not clear to us.
"This expert claims that numerous minor seismic tremors can cause the concentration of dissolved gold in these fluids, Because of the conductive properties of gold, which is the process by which gold nuggets are formed.. A series of piezoelectric phenomena then occur.
Piezoelectricity
Piezoelectricity is a phenomenon observable in many everyday objects, including quartz watches and gas stove lighters, in which a small mechanical force generates an electrical voltage, which manifests itself as energy or a spark. The mineral quartz, which typically contains significant deposits of gold, exhibits similar properties. Therefore, Scientists have pondered the implications of whether earthquake-induced stress could produce analogous effects inside the Earth.
To test their hypothesis, the researchers immersed quartz crystals in a gold-rich fluid and used a motor to apply tension, simulating the seismic activity of an earthquake. After the experiment, the quartz samples were subjected to microscopic examination to determine whether gold had been deposited.
“The findings were unexpected,” said Professor Andy Tomkins, one of the authors of the study from Monash University’s School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment. He explains that “stressed quartz not only facilitated the electrochemical deposition of gold on its surface, but also led to the formation and accumulation of gold nanoparticles. Interestingly, Gold showed a preference for depositing on pre-existing gold grains rather than generating new ones.
In light of these findings, the authors of the research, which appeared in the journal Nature Geoscience, postulate that the process replicated in the laboratory may also occur in nature. They suggest that fluid enriched with dissolved gold could permeate the fissures of a quartz vein, leading to the formation of nuggets when an earthquake induces an electric field within the quartz.
Discoveries
Following initial gold deposition, additional layers can be added through subsequent piezoelectric events, potentially elucidating the development of larger gold nuggets and the intricate gold networks frequently observed within quartz vein fractures. This process is remarkably long.
As time progresses, this process can result in the creation of substantial deposits of gold, which ultimately give rise to the large nuggets that have amazed treasure hunters and geologists alike. While geologic time is inherently slow, experts emphasize that the appearance of these enormous nuggets does not occur immediately after an earthquake. These are earthquakes that have occurred throughout Earth's extensive history.
Formation of large gold nuggets due to earthquakes
Christopher Voisey and his team calculated the piezoelectric voltage that quartz could generate in response to earthquakes. They then proceeded to the laboratory, where they immersed quartz crystals in a solution containing dissolved gold and simulated the seismic waves characteristic of an earthquake to apply stress to the crystal, thereby inducing a piezoelectric voltage. As a result, Gold nanoparticles began to accumulate on the surface of the quartz. The voltage produced by the quartz was sufficient to initiate the deposition process.
The authors argue that this process can occur without the need for a laboratory setting, suggesting that it could take place naturally. This challenges the notion that gold is a finite mineral in nature, with its quantity remaining static since the formation of the Earth.
The researchers suggest that a fluid containing dissolved gold may penetrate the fissures of a quartz vein and subsequently be converted into nuggets when an earthquake induces an electric field within the quartz. Following the initial deposition of gold, additional gold could be generated on top of existing deposits due to subsequent piezoelectric occurrences, which would explain the development of larger gold nuggets.
In March last year, a 5,7 magnitude earthquake hit central Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, marking a recurrence of such seismic activity. This area is home to the Grasberg mine, recognized as the largest in the world, as well as the Lihir mine. In addition, The Cortez gold mine, located in Nevada, United States, is associated with a major seismic zone.
Scientists estimate that the Earth's gold content is about one-hundred-millionth of its total mass, which amounts to about 60 trillion tons. However, most of this gold resides in the Earth's core, making it currently inaccessible with existing human technology. Consequently, it appears that scientific advances are progressing more rapidly toward developing new creations rather than mining gold that already exists.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the discovery of the formation of giant gold nuggets from quartz with the action of earthquakes.