Gold on Quartz and Petzite
Sunneyside Mine 
Little Mary Vein, Lake Emma, San Juan County, Colorado
 
Lustrous native gold from the Sunnyside Mine is quite rare and this gold specimen displays a very lustrous surface. The gold developed into large thick leafy habits with lustrous geometric crystals growing on its surface. Between the striations and crystallized surfaces on the native gold are dark areas which is the mineral Petzite. Native gold and Petzite are a rare combination and this example makes for a great contrast with the native gold. The Petzite is also found throughout certain areas on the milky white quartz matrix as well. On the lower areas of the quartz matrix the gold developed into clusters of dendritic formations with flat cubic habits on some of the crystals. Nearly every section the native gold exhibits a bright brilliance like a stunning gem under the light. The gold is robust and visible on all sides of the matrix and makes a prime example from this locality.
52 x 43 x 19 mm
39.34 grams
#215