I found this rock while hiking a creek

[Daltontribe]

The title says it all but, I was wondering if you guys could identify this rock. My hunch was that it is quartz, am I wrong?
If it is quartz and it was found in a creek in the mountains, would that area be a area to try gold panning in? I have read that quartz and Gold can sometimes be found in the same areas. You will have to forgive my ignorance on the subject I am just a rookie at Rock hounding and finding Gold.

Daniel

 

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[DDancer]

Closer picture's in natural light would help a bit. From what I can see yes it is quartz. It appears to be a form of quartz called chalcedony, we see a lot of it here in the Rock forum. Gold occurs in mineralized areas and quartz is often found with it however quartz is not the only indicator. Quartz is a very common mineral with many deviations in its structure, classification and occurrence. A fascinating mineral. If you suspect gold then pan the creek