Gold Quartz
Gold Quartz
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 Ann King Sterling 18K Gold Cinnamon Quartz Ring 6  US $223.99
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 VERONESE 18K GOLD CLAD COGNAC QUARTZ CHANDELIER EARRING US $129.00
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 Judith Ripka Yellow Gold Green Quartz Diamond Necklace US $4,950.00
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 Judith Ripka Diamond Quartz Gold Bangle Bracelet Loopty US $2,200.00
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 MICHAEL DAWKINS SS Silver Gold Smokey Quartz BRACELET US $429.00
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 Fossil Bronze Gold Quartz Crystal Sunflower Ring 8 NWT US $35.00
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 JUDITH RIPKA 18K GOLD DIAMOND W SMOKEY EMERALD QUARTZ US $2,800.00
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 Judith Ripka Yellow Gold Smokey Quartz Diamond Necklace US $3,000.00
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 Marcia Moran Quartz Heart Necklace in Gold Plated NEW US $41.20
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 Chr Dior 66 Germany Signed Pin Broach Gold Metal Quartz US $96.00
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 Roberto Coin Citrine Smoky Quartz 18kt Gold Necklace US $3,220.00
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 Roberto Coin Smoky Quartz Citrine 18kt Gold Necklace US $3,220.00
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 NEW LADIES SCOTT KAY SILVER GOLD SMOKEY QUARTZ NECKLACE US $1,445.00
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 Ann King Sterling Silver 18K Gold Limon Quartz Ring 6 US $176.25
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 Ann King Sterling Silver 18K Gold Green Quartz Ring 9 US $220.99
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 Ann King Sterling Silver 18K Gold Green Quartz Ring 5 US $220.99
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 Ann King Sterling Silver 18K Gold Green Quartz Ring 6 US $220.99
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 HSN 10k Gold Smokey Quartz TURTLE earrings 12200 US $55.00
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 FABULOUS GUCCI FLORA NECKLACE 18K GOLD SMOKY QUARTZ US $999.00
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 Gucci Horsebit 18k Y Gold and Smokey Quartz Necklace US $1,950.00
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 NWT $178 Lori Bonn Brushed Gold Quartz Oval Earrings US $124.60
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 Kirks Folly Quartz Rhinestone FROG Brooch Gold tone USA US $39.99
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 NEW WOMENS SCOTT KAY SILVER GOLD SMOKEY QUARTZ NECKLACE US $1,445.00
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 SEIDENGANG 18K GOLD 088ct DIAMOND QUARTZ ring $5120 US $2,750.00
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 Roberto Coin Citrine Smoky Quartz 18kt Gold Bracelet US $1,351.00
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 DAVID YURMAN SMOKY QUARTZ NECKLACE 18K GOLD 46 INCH US $1,620.00
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 Natural 6044ctw Ivory Quartz Diamond 18K Gold Earrings US $1,400.00
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 NWT Lori Bonn 3 Stack Rings Gold White Quartz Druzy 7 US $102.00
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 ROBERTO COIN 18K GOLD DIAMOND CITRINE QUARTZ BRACELET US $2,450.00
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 24K PURE GOLD RUTILE QUARTZ DIAMOND NECKLACE 22K US $3,250.00
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 Ann King Sterling 18K Gold Champagne Quartz Ring 10 US $177.99
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 Ann King Sterling 18K Gold Champagne Quartz Ring 9 US $177.99
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 Ann King Sterling 18K Gold Champagne Quartz Ring 8 US $177.99
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 Ann King Sterling 18K Gold Green Quartz Ring 10 US $220.99
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 14K Gold Solid Quartz Hoop By Aroma $35900 US $125.00
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 ROBYN RHODES Gold Flower Quartz Pearl Necklace $134 US $104.99
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 Ross Simons 14K Gold Limon Quartz 18 Necklace US $199.93
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 24k GOLD NECKLACE W TOPAZQUARTZPERIDOTCITRINE 22K US $1,350.00
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 LORI BONN Gold Quartz Best Supporting Actress Charm US $60.00
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 HAMMERED QUARTZ STRAND NECKLACE 24K GOLD 22K US $750.00
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 SEIDENGANG 18K GOLD SMOKY QUARTZ BANGLE BRACELET $2400 US $890.00
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 DIAMONIQUE 18K GOLD CLAD GREEN QUARTZ CUSHION RING 8 US $49.00
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 Authent David Yurman SS 18K Gold Smokey Quartz Necklace US $499.00
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 LORI BONN Brushed Gold Quartz Wire Drop Earrings EOS US $85.49
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 LORI BONN Brushed Gold Quartz Wire Drop Earrings EOS US $85.49
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 New Lori Bonn 36 Rose Quartz Gold Pearl Necklace $328 US $126.40
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 DAVID YURMAN 18 kt GOLD SILVER SMOKEY QUARTZ EARRINGS US $420.00
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 24K HAMMERED GOLD SOLITAIRE SMOKY QUARTZ RING 22K US $4,384.00
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 Silver Plated Gold Michael Dawkins Smoky Quartz Ring US $215.00
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 Lagos SS 18K Gold Glacier Now Yellow Quartz Enhancer US $349.00
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 Leslie Greene Smokey Quartz Citrine 18K Gold Necklace US $774.00
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 New Roger Benatar Smoky Smokey Quartz 14k Gold Ring US $349.00
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 NEW GUCCI 18K GOLD long earrings smoky quartz bee $1676 US $1,250.00
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 14kt Gold Freshwater Pearl Smoky Quartz Necklace US $59.99
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 Judith Ripka Sterling 18kt Gold Lemon Quartz Earrings US $395.00
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 ANN KING STERLING 18K GOLD CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ RING SZ 10 US $149.00
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 ANN KING STERLING 18K GOLD CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ RING SZ 9 US $149.00
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 HEAVY SMOKY QUARTZ RING 24K HAMMERED SOLID GOLD 22K US $3,200.00
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 YURMAN DY SILVER 18k GOLD 15mm QUARTZ ALBION RING US $650.00
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 NEW IPPOLITA EARRINGS 18K GOLD LEMON QUARTZ LARGE $1200 US $699.00
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 NEW KONSTANTINO SS 18k gold EARRINGS SMOKY QUARTZ US $369.00
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 New Ippolita 18K Gold Clear Quartz Snowman Earrings US $639.00
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 24K SOLID GOLD DIAMOND RUTILE QUARTZ HANDMADE RING US $1,750.00
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 14Kt Gold Rutilated Quartz and Gemstone 18 Necklace US $54.99
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 NEW MARLYN SCHIFF Gold Fill Gaspeite Quartz Necklace US $79.00
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 NEW MARLYN SCHIFF Gold Fill Gaspeite Quartz Necklace US $79.00
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 NEW MARLYN SCHIFF Gold Fill Gaspeite Quartz Necklace US $79.00
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 NEW MARLYN SCHIFF Gold Plated Gaspeite Quartz Necklace US $79.00
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 NEW MARLYN SCHIFF Gold Plated Gaspeite Quartz Necklace US $79.00
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 NEW MARLYN SCHIFF Gold Quartz Briolet Pendant Necklace US $39.00
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 New Lori Bonn Rose Quartz Gold Pearl Bead Necklace $328 US $262.40
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 Ladies 18k Gold Bueche Girod Diamond Quartz Watch US $2,520.00
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 24K PURE GOLD SATIN SOLITAIRE QUARTZ STACK RING 22K US $520.00
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 DESIGNER 24K PURE GOLD LEMON QUARTZ RING 22K US $1,300.00
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 24K GOLD ROMAN ART HAMMERED PINK QUARTZ STACK RING 22K US $780.00
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 10kt Gold 256ct Chocolate Quartz Heart Diamond Ring US $119.99
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 24K GOLD ROMAN ART HAMMERED PINK QUARTZ STACK RING 22K US $670.00
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 MULTI GEMSTONE 14K GOLD SMOKY QUARTZ DROP NECKLACE NEW US $139.00
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 VICTORIA WIECK 14K GOLD CHOCOLATE QUARTZ SWIRL RING 6 US $279.00
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 LORI BONN SOL COLLECTION GOLD QUARTZ RING SIZE 6 NEW US $170.00
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 New Ippolita 18K Gold Smoky Quartz Bangle $222000 US $979.00
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 NEW $170 Lori Bonn Brushed Gold Quartz Pear Ring 8 US $110.50
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 YURMAN 11mmCOGNAC QUARTZ 18K GOLD SILVER ALBION PENDANT US $625.00
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 DAVID YURMAN ALL 18K GOLD ROSE QUARTZ EARRINGS DANGLE US $599.99
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 Georg Jensen 18ct Gold Savannah Ring With Smokey Quartz US $725.00
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 John Hardy Red Quartz 18K Gold Sterling Silver Ring sz6 US $210.00
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 MELISSA JOY MANNING 14KT GOLD QUARTZ FOSSIL NECKLACE US $418.00
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 ELEGANT 18K YELLOW GOLD BULGARI TUBOGAS QUARTZ WATCH US $6,000.00
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 John Hardy Smoky Quartz 18K Gold Sterling Silver Ring 6 US $210.00
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 LAGOS Sterling Silver 18K Gold Smoke Quartz Enhancer US $295.00
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 David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Sapphire Necklace US $3,200.00
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 CARTIER Ladies 18k Gold Cartier Tank Quartz Watch US $2,794.99
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 DAVID YURMAN ALL 18K GOLD ROSE QUARTZ EARRINGS DANGLE US $599.99
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 Evangelatos 18k Gold Quartz Ring US $460.00
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 DAVID YURMAN Sterling 14K Gold Lemon Quartz Enhancer US $495.00
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 CARTIER 18K Gold Quartz Cheveux De Venus Ring C2001 US $1,490.00
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 Unisex Designer Imperial Swiss Quartz Gold Multi Design US $85.00
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 Unisex Designer Imperial Swiss Quartz Gold Multi Design US $85.00
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 Unisex Designer Imperial Swiss Quartz Gold Date US $85.00
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 NAVA ZAHAVI Lemon Quartz 24K Gold Vermeil Bracelet US $699.00
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Crushed gold and quartz tailing pile
Cedar Creek Gold Rush
The Cedar Creek Mining District is located in Mineral County, Montana on the east slope of the Bitterroot Mountains, southwest of what is now the town of Superior. The district encompasses Cedar, Quartz and Trout Creeks and their tributaries, which originate near the crest of the northwestward extension of the Bitterroot Range. The creeks flow northeastward to the Clark Fork River. Mineral County is bound by Missoula and Sanders counties and shares a border with the State of Idaho.
Mineral County
Mineral County encompasses 1,223 square miles. Its land is 82% National Forest and is managed by the US Forest Service. 3% of the land is owned by the State of Montana and 15% is privately owned. The county's rich mining history lends its name.
Most of the county topography is quite rugged with elevations ranging from 2500 to 8000 feet above sea level.
There are 87 miles of river, 650 miles of streams and over 50 high mountain lakes to compliment the innumerable alpine meadows, magnificent waterfalls and jaw dropping vistas.
The Mineral County area started being developed following the construction of the Mullan Trail in 1859. Prior to clearing and cutting of the trail, extremely dense forests of giant cedars, ponderosa pine, hemlock, tamarack and fir made traveling through the area arduous and very dangerous. Captain Mullan forbade any of his men to search for gold for fear a "gold rush" would disrupt the trail construction.
On September 11, 1865 the first two claims were filed, on the St. Regis River. W. W. Johnson, who had worked as a surveyor on the Mullan Trail, filed a gold claim, the "Missoula Gold and Silver Quartz Ledge," and Peter Toft filed the "Beaver Gold and Silver Quartz Ledge". Sketchy historical records fail to indicate whether either claim was ever actually worked.
History Of The Cedar Creek Gold Rush
In the fall of 1868, a French Canadian prospector, Louis Barrette had run out of luck and dreams working the gold fields of Northern Idaho. Despondent and broke, he set out for the French Canadian encampment of Frenchtown, Montana located along the Mullen Road. Barrette hoped that the kindness of his fellow countrymen would shelter him through the harsh Montana winter.
Traveling from Idaho to Montana, Barrette followed the St. Joe River to its headwaters in the Coeur d' Alene Mountains. As he rode along the summit trail he noticed a deep basin on the Montana side that, to his gold prospector's eye, looked promising. However winter was moving in and he needed to proceed to Frenchtown before snow fall in the high country prevented his passage.
Barrette firmly resolved that he would put together supplies and return to prospect the area in the spring.
On his journey to Frenchtown, Barrette met Adolph Lozeau, a fellow French Canadian who operated a ranch about five miles east of the mouth of Cedar Creek. Lozeau Forty Mile House had been a stop for wayfaring travelers along the Mullen Road for two years. Lozeau would turn out to be a pivotal character in the saga of the Cedar Creek Gold Rush.
Fortune and circumstances delayed Barrette's return to the valley of his dreams. It was not until late fall of 1869 that Barrette was able to assemble equipment and supplies and return to Cedar Creek. Barrette and his partner, Basil Lanthier, traversed the steep cedar-clad gulch on saddle horses accompanied by a string of pack horses loaded with sufficient provisions to last them for several weeks.
Barrette and Lanthier's departure from Frenchtown was not a well-kept secret. Rumors and speculation on the success of their exploration were common gossip. All ears waited to hear of a new gold strike or another failure.
Tired, yet jubilant, the partners arrived at Cedar Creek and then continued up stream about four miles until they found a grassy meadow located at the mouth of Cayuse Creek. Lathier went about setting up their base camp and Barrette headed for the creek.
Lady Luck smiled! On October 9th, 1869, coarse nuggets were discovered where the waters of Cayuse Creek joined Cedar Creek. Overcome with "Gold Fever" Barrette and Lanthier were not content with their first prospects and were determined to keep prospecting the gulch for richer concentrates.
Aware of the inevitable stampede once news of their discovery was known, they wished to find the best site in the area and stake it out before the swarming rush of gold seekers that would race to a strike had an chance to file claims in the area.
Finally, delighted with the near ten ounces of gold he gleaned from two test holes, Barrette established his discovery claim on the "Louiseville Bar", which is now within the boundaries of Cinker's Mine.
It was now late November. Winter gripped the mountains and Barrette and Lathier's supplies were running critically low. The two prospectors returned to Lozeau's ranch to resupply. They showed Lozeau the gold and enlisted his help to travel to Frenchtown for provisions. Barrette and Lathier knew that if they went back to the camp speculators would follow them back to their discovery.
News of a gold strike was a bigger secret than Adolph could keep. Loosened by liquor, "they found gold" slipped from Lozeau's lips and the rush was on! By daylight the next morning over a 100 prospectors were frantically scrambling up and down the drainage.
In early December, a miner's meeting established the Barrette Mining District and designated the town of Louisville on Barrette's discovery claim as the district headquarters. Bad feelings arose when the Deer Lodge newspaper, the "New North-West" reported that the town of Louisville was named after Lozeau's wife, Louise and not after Louis Barrette. Adolph Lozeau had taken credit for the discovery when he in fact had no part at all in the partners strike.
As gold seekers from all across the territory raced to Cedar Creek, the Barrette Mining District moved to establish the rules for filing claims. The length of a claim was limited to 200 feet, with width not to exceed 9 feet up the bank above the high water mark on each side of the creek. Each new arrival was allowed one claim only, with the exception of Barrette, who was allowed one additional claim to his No. 1 discovery claim.
Word of a gold strike travels the wind and spreads like wildfire. The strike on Cedar Creek was no exception. Gold seekers flocked to the frenzy. A correspondent for the New North-West newspaper, writing from Missoula, reported. "Missoula has been wild for a week". "Hotel keepers, merchants, clerks, idle men and loafers, are all gone. . . ".
This intense migration into such a remote and restricted area presented enormous challenges in the way of food and shelter shortages. Soon 60 mule pack trains poured into the canyon selling gumboots, tarps, bacon and beans. Housing was inadequate with the majority of the dwelling merely makeshift shanties made from brush, branches and canvas. The area newspapers warned the stampeders to go "well clad, blanketed and pursed".
Foul weather, food shortages and hazardous conditions did not deter those who suffered gold fever. Within the month the snow-packed drainage was parceled into nearly 2,500 separate claims. Tempers ran high, violence was common place and claim jumping was rampant. An estimated 3,000 men wintered that year in the gulch and it was visited by three times that many more. That first winter it was men only as there were no women on the creek in 1869.
Saloonkeepers, blacksmiths and merchants were just as excited as the miners about Cedar Creek's potential. The new residents of Louisville, Mugginsville, Cedar Junction and Lincoln City watched with glee as these entrepreneurs ambitiously opened for business. Mining camps arose and were abandoned quickly as the focus of placering shifted around the district. The Helena Daily Herald reported on March 3, 1870 that, "Louisville had 680 houses; Cedar Junction 91. Wages are $4 - $5 a day". "Louisville ... prospecting is ... running as high as $1,250.00 a pan".
The population of the district rose upwards of 10,000 by some estimates. In 1870, Forest City, on Cedar Creek itself, reached a population of over 7,000 and was considered a commerce center for many towns in the area including Missoula. As in any gold rush, whiskey flowed, fortunes were made and lost and lives were forever changed.
Early production from the Cedar Creek Rush has been estimated as high as $10 Million Dollars. The gold mined from Cedar Creek was notably fine; some gold that was 982 fine was recovered and it was not unusual for it to be as high as 960 to 970 fine. At the time of the Cedar Creek Strike, gold was traded at $20.50 an ounce. When one applies today's price of gold at over $1,000.00 an ounce to the calculation, the numbers are indeed impressive. Miners are notoriously closed mouth, but a few have been known to brag, so it is impossible to know the true value of the strike, however it was credible treasure and an awesome adventure.
Cedar Creek also had its share of hardrock mining. The Amador copper mine was originally discovered in 1889 by cutting into a large ore body 165 feet below the bed of Cedar Creek, but wasn't fully worked until 1900. A townsite was laid out 11 miles below the mine, with a rail line connecting the two. Potential investors were brought out by train from the east and sold shares in the mine and lots in the townsite. A small smelter was built on Cedar Creek to process the ore. In 1919 the railroad tracks were removed in favor of hauling ore by truck. Much of the old rail bed is the foundation for the Cedar Creek Road as it is today.
There was placer mining activity along these creeks or their tributaries almost every year up to World War II. From 1946 through today, a handful of hardy miners continue their quest of the elusive golden mineral.
Welcome to Cedar Creek and may you find color in the bottom of your pan!
About the Author
Marlene Affeld has a passion for the environment and all things natural. A seasoned traveler, Marlene enjoys sharing her experiences with others. Visit Marlene's site at
Nandu Green
for Eco-Friendly living options.
Does gold usually sit inside rocks that have quartz in them?
Gold is commonly found quartz under specific conditions, typically relating to secondary intrusion within a geologic body (metamorphic rock or another intrusive rock). The process that tends to create a quartz vein within a rock is also favorable for gold if it is present in the melt.
