Native Gold on Arsenopyrite
Belshazzar Mine, Quartzburg Mining District, Boise County, Idaho, USA
This rare gold specimen contains an unusual matrix of arsenopyrite with a thick vein of native gold crystals and pyrite which still contain lot more gold inside. The native gold formed on arsenopyrite displays thick wires, overlapping and intersecting one another. Intricate gold wires elegantly connect with one another from all sides of the specimen. his means there is a densely clustered network of more gold contained inside the specimen. The white quartz matrix exhibits elongated formations and adds to its incredible natural aesthetics.  Most of the gold crystals have great luster with smaller wire gold crystals intricately formed next to larger wire gold crystals. Nearly every native gold crystal are three dimensional short but thick wires clustered closely together. The reverse side also contains thick visible wire gold next to crystals and small crevices of arsenopyrite crystals. The name Belshazzar was given to the prince of the last king of the Babylonian Empire which is a significant association to the name of this mine.
34 x 28 x 20 mm
21.32 grams