My wife bought this nugget at a rock shop many years ago. Supposedly, it’s from John Day Oregon area.

Is it real?
Is it hard rock or placer?
Was it etched to remove some host rock?
Can these things be found with a metal detector?
What’s it worth?

No idea if i ever have time and interest to actually go and find a gold for real but this was very funny experience and i might make some wooden jewelry that i inlay some gold and that garnet.