Crystallized Gold
Nevada County, Grass Valley, California
This exquisite crystallized gold specimen is a fine example of native gold from the historic Grass Valley Mining District one of California’s most productive and renowned gold regions during the gold rush. The specimen features an elongated, naturally branching gold crystal that are clustered together with elegant form and visual balance. At the tip of the main branch, a tight cluster of smaller intergrown crystals creates a striking focal point, adding both visual complexity and depth. The lower portion of the specimen is composed of a dense network of fine gold crystals that appear fused together in a natural, organic arrangement. A small amount of bright white quartz matrix is attached to the backside, providing a strong and attractive contrast that helps highlight the golden hues. When viewed from the reverse side, additional curved and branching crystals are more distinctly visible, showing natural crystal habits that are typical of gold from this region. The native gold exhibits a rich, buttery-yellow coloration an indicator of its high purity with a bright, reflective luster that varies across the specimen due to subtle surface texture differences. This variation in luster, combined with the complexity of its crystallization, makes the specimen especially engaging from multiple viewing angles. This specimen is a fine collector-grade example of crystallized gold from Grass Valley. Its aesthetic form, sharp crystal definition, and locality significance make it an excellent addition to any fine mineral or gold-focused collection.
24 x 14 x 14 mm
4.83 grams