Leaf Gold on Smokey Quartz Matrix
La Rinconada, Ananea district, San Antonio de Putina Province, Puno, Peru
 
Gold specimens from La Rinconada, Peru, are exceptionally rare, particularly at this size. Best known as the world’s highest permanent human settlement, La Rinconada is also an active gold-mining locality. What makes this specimen especially unusual is the association of the rich, buttery yellow gold with smoky quartz rather than the more commonly seen white quartz. Natural fractures in the smoky quartz expose gold-bearing veins and associated sulfide minerals, offering a glimpse into the specimen’s natural formation. The gold forms broad, leaf-like crystals with secondary growth extending from their surfaces. Some of these crystals develop a delicate dendritic character, while others show more defined geometric forms. Numerous small, flat crystal faces cover the gold, creating a bright, sparkling luster that comes alive in natural sunlight, producing an intense golden color and exceptional brilliance.
 
34 x 20 x 9 mm
4.43 grams