Gold on Quartz
Badger Mine (Prescott Mine; Prescott Lode claim), Quartzburg, Hornitos Mining District, West Belt, Mariposa County, California
This extraordinary native gold specimen is both captivating and elegant, featuring impressive size and bold, branching crystals. Gold from the Badger Mine is known for its distinctive gold crystal habit broad, leafy crystals that spread over a large surface area, giving the specimen a larger visual presence than its actual mass. This unique growth pattern is especially appealing to collectors. On closer inspection, the gold forms layered, leaf like plates with branching structures, creating an intricate and highly aesthetic composition. This style of crystallization is quite rare and unlike most other gold specimens. The surfaces display deep striations and complex natural patterns, formed as the gold slowly cooled. The specimen exhibits a rich, saturated color with a bright metallic luster that enhances its visual impact. It is beautifully perched on a natural milky white quartz matrix, accented by a subtle brown sulfide layer that provides striking contrast and further highlights the gold crystals.
25 x 15 x 12 mm
3.27 grams