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, making 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, thousands of tiny gold crystals create an intricate texture and distinctive luster that seems to multiply as the specimen is rotated, with different surfaces catching the light from every angle. The bright white quartz matrix provides a striking natural contrast, allowing the rich golden color and crystalline growth to stand out beautifully. Overall, this is a highly attractive and collectible example of gold from a rare locality.
 
30 x 19 x 14 mm
6.64 grams