Piezoelectric theory on gold in quartz veins (not mine)

[sinnegam]

I read an interesting article on gold accumulation in quartz crystal due to earth movement and piezoelectric effects in quartz. It may be old news to some in here.
An Ars Technica article
https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/09/natural-piezoelectric-effect-may-build-gold-deposits/

based on an article in Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01514-1

Its an interesting idea. Shortest version :
Traces of gold dissolved in water under heat and pressure in the crust are electrowon by the piezoelectric charge in the quartz crystal and the effect is self reinforcing over very long periods of time.

 

[RevMatt]

I read an interesting article on gold accumulation in quartz crystal due to earth movement and piezoelectric effects in quartz. It may be old news to some in here.
An Ars Technica article
https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/09/natural-piezoelectric-effect-may-build-gold-deposits/

based on an article in Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01514-1

Its an interesting idea. Shortest version :
Traces of gold dissolved in water under heat and pressure in the crust are electrowon by the piezoelectric charge in the quartz crystal and the effect is self reinforcing over very long periods of time.

I thought it an interesting topic... although I have to many irons in the fire at the moment. this idea that a piezoelectric effect could be capitalized on to precipitate precious metals from a given chemical solution on the serface appears like an experiment worth looking into...