So, gold in quartz veins will solidify into clusters that grow bigger every time an earthquake occurs. To date, the largest orogenic gold nuggets weigh approximately 130 pounds.

Gold naturally forms in quartz — the second-most abundant mineral in Earth's crust after feldspar. But unlike other types of gold deposits, those found in quartz often cluster into giant nuggets.

Earthquakes may help prospectors strike gold: When these seismic events stir and squeeze quartz veins deep underground, the mineral creates an electric field that gold particles clump to, forming ...

This article was originally published with the title “Gold Quartz Pulverizer and Amalgamator” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 9 (November 1852), p. 65 doi:10.1038 ...

When earthquakes squeeze quartz crystals, the mineral generates electricity that attracts gold particles. Pierre Longnus via Getty Images Earthquakes may help prospectors strike gold: When these ...