I don't know what to do with this quartz specimen. I was out looking for crystals with two of my prospectors near Congress, AZ, when I came across this specimen, which is about 3”x 2.5”x .75” in size. It is speckled throughout with gold flakes (yep, we tested ‘em – 19-21K)! The rock is still quite dirty as I only brushed it off when I found it. SO, should I wash it with warm water, or just put it in the cabinet as is? Thanks - Terry
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What method did you use to test fineness in such small specks and get results like 19-21K? Acid?

Terry . Absolutely scrub it . It will only make it look better . It looks solid enough to even use some mild acid on without hurting it. CLR or Lime-away works great .----Bob

My jeweler says she uses a combination of "X-ray assay techniques," on the in-rock specimens, combined with an acid test from "scrapings(?)." Hope this helps E.D. - Cheers! - Terry

Thank's so much Bob! I'll shoot you a picture after I clean it up. Big Nuggets! - Terry

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Here are a couple of pics after washing the quartz with warm water and soap. Pretty cool! Thank's Montana for helping me out! - Terry

Terry, have several like that. Before I saw pics; imagined something crappy looking that needed some real cleaning- that don't! It's pretty as it is!
Shep

Thank's Shep! I am very excited to have found this as I was just visually hunting for crystals when it twinkled at me. First time I have ever just picked up a little gold off the desert floor! - Terry