Gold’s allure has long been attributed to its rarity and versatility, serving various roles from currency to technology. Traditionally, scientists believed that gold nuggets formed as a result of hot, water-rich fluids flowing through Earth’s crust, where the gold precipitated and became trapped in quartz veins as the fluids cooled. However, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Geoscience presents a new theory that challenges this conventional view, suggesting that earthquakes might play a crucial role in the formation of gold nuggets.
The research, titled “Gold Nugget Formation from Earthquake-Induced Piezoelectricity in Quartz,” led by Dr. Chris Voisey, proposes a novel mechanism behind the creation of these valuable deposits. According to the study, the process begins with seismic activity causing stress in quartz veins. Quartz, though an electrical insulator, generates piezoelectricity when subjected to mechanical stress. This piezoelectric effect can lead to the electrochemical deposition of gold onto the quartz surface.
Study co-author Professor Andy Tomkins from Monash University highlights that this mechanism not only deposits gold onto quartz but also results in the formation of gold nanoparticles. Interestingly, the study found that gold has a tendency to deposit onto pre-existing gold grains rather than initiating new ones. This phenomenon suggests that once some gold is deposited, it acts as a nucleus, attracting additional gold and leading to the growth of larger nuggets.
This research provides a new perspective on gold nugget formation, showing a potential link between seismic activities and the generation of gold within quartz veins. By uncovering the role of earthquakes in gold formation, the study opens up new possibilities for understanding the geological processes that contribute to the creation of one of the world’s most sought-after materials. The findings could reshape theories about gold deposition and contribute to more accurate models of mineral formation.