Gold on Quartz
Badger Mine (Prescott Mine; Prescott Lode claim), Quartzburg, Hornitos Mining District, West Belt, Mariposa County, California
This exceptional gold specimen features bold, sharply formed gold crystals rising from a natural quartz. Thick, lustrous gold plates form the main structure, while smaller leaf-like crystals add complex detail against the bright white quartz matrix. In some areas, later stages of crystal growth created small open pockets filled with fine, sponge-textured native gold, adding depth and visual complexity to the piece. The gold displays a dense structure and a rich, evenly saturated color that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding quartz. Toward the base, the quartz gradually transitions into bright white color, where natural flashes of gold can be seen within the matrix.
15 x 12 x 6 mm
0.55 gram