Crystallized Gold on Limonite 
San Bernandino County, California
This captivating gold specimen exemplifies the natural development of hydrothermally formed gold, showcasing the geological processes that shaped it. The brown areas, composed of limonite—an iron oxide ore—mark the zones where gold was hydrothermally transported and subsequently crystallized. The limonite forms a thin matrix, encasing pockets of crystallized gold that display intricately textured surfaces alongside lustrous, flattened crystal faces. Measuring notably large, this specimen’s size enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal piece for display. Its vivid, saturated buttery yellow hue, a result of exceptionally high gold purity, radiates consistently across the surface. Gold specimens from this locality are increasingly scarce, rendering this example a particularly fine and representative piece of its origin.
20 x 14 x 2 mm
2.10 grams