Sponge Gold Cluster 
Manhattan Mine, Manhattan Mining District, Toquima Range, Nye County, Nevada, USA
This exceptional gold specimen demonstrates a complex, overlapping, sponge-like texture of native gold adorned with microcrystals on its surface. These microcrystals enhance the specimen's sparkle and significantly increase its luster. The rarity of such a specimen is amplified by the fact that the Manhattan Mine is no longer operational. Visible from all sides, the gold crystal clusters display a slight dendritic crystallization pattern, complemented by a small amount of quartz matrix. The specimen is notably dense and exhibits a buttery yellow color, which is distinct from the pale yellow commonly found in crystals from this locality. This gold specimen serves as an outstanding example of the mineralogical characteristics unique to this area.
8 x 6 x 5 mm
0.73 gram
#144A