Gold on Quartz
Oriental Mine, 16 to 1 Mine, Alleghany,
Alleghany Mining District, Sierra County, California, USA
 
Gold specimens from this mine are rarely available to collectors, and this an outstanding example of the locality. The gold has developed into thick, crystalline branching growth, with numerous smaller, highly crystallized microcrystals forming as secondary surface growth. Upon closer examination, the specimen reveals an intricate texture made up of thousands of tiny gold crystals. These microcrystals create a distinctive luster that seems to multiply as the specimen is rotated, with different surfaces catching and reflecting the light from every angle. The bright white quartz matrix provides an excellent backdrop for the gold, creating a strong natural contrast that makes the rich golden color and crystalline growth stand out beautifully. Overall, this is a particularly attractive and highly collectible example of gold from this rare locality.
 
36 x 23 x 17 mm
9.69 grams