Crystalline Gold 
Siskiyou County, California
This remarkable gold crystal showcases a stunning array of crystal habits, featuring intricately textured surfaces and elaborate formations. Along its side, the gold reveals modified dendritic crystals that have developed into thin, horizontal lines or ribbon-like structures, which gradually transition into a porous, sponge-like crystalline texture. Scattered across the specimen are numerous tightly packed clusters of microcrystals, forming a delicate mesh-like pattern. Upon closer inspection, the native gold displays evidence of secondary growth, with tiny dendritic crystals interwoven and densely grouped together. On the reverse side, the surface primarily exhibits a spongy texture, characterized by thick, elevated spongy plates that give rise to a secondary branching plate crystal structure. This specimen stands out as an exceptional and rare example from its specific locality.
11 x 8 x 3 mm
0.40 gram