Leaf Gold on Smokey Quartz Matrix
La Rinconada, Ananea district, San Antonio de Putina Province, Puno, Peru
 
Gold specimens from La Rinconada, Peru, are exceptionally rare, especially in this size. La Rinconada is widely recognized as the world’s highest permanent human settlement and is also known for its gold mining activity. Unlike many gold specimens that occur with white quartz, this specimen features rich, buttery yellow gold associated with contrasting smoky quartz, making the combination particularly unusual. Natural fractures within the quartz reveal gold-bearing veins along with associated sulfide minerals. The gold displays leaf like crystals with secondary crystalline growth projecting from their surfaces. Some of these crystals have an almost dendritic appearance, while others show more defined geometric forms. Numerous small, flat crystal faces create a remarkable sparkling luster, catching the light in natural sunlight and producing an intense golden hue and striking brilliance.
 
17 x 12 x 11 mm
1.18 grams