Crystallized Gold
Original 16 to 1 Mine, Alleghany Mining District, Sierra County, California, USA
This exceptional and rare specimen features delicate, elongated crystal that showcase a striking, fully saturated metallic golden color. The crystals exhibit flat, textured surfaces adorned with glossy, intricate crystalline patterns that have developed over the top. In certain areas, clusters of gold crystals are subtly interwoven beneath one another, adding depth and complexity to the piece. Embedded within the specimen’s matrix is a touch of quartz, which enhances its visual appeal. Despite its substantial appearance, the native gold is surprisingly light due to its leaf-like structure, causing it to seem larger than its actual weight suggests. Unlike most gold specimens from the 16-1 mine, which typically lack such brilliance, this example stands out as a remarkably lustrous and exquisite piece.
12.8 x 6 x 4 mm
0.60 gram