Gold flecks in sand from SD beach?

[vessxpress1]

My mom just got back from San Diego. They went down to the beach while there and collected some shells. They noticed little gold flecks almost like gold dust all over the beach, washing in from the ocean. They brought some of the sand home. There's little gold flecks all over in it. What could this stuff be? Hopefully this post doesn't have to be moved.
Thanks.
Scott

 

[orlenz]

sounds like it could be mica.

 

[scrmbld33]

out here in jersey some of the gold flecks are a type of quartz