Sponge Gold Cluster 
Manhattan Mine, Manhattan Mining District, Toquima Range, Nye County, Nevada, USA
This gold quartz specimen features a complex, layered, sponge-like texture of native gold adorned with sparkling microcrystals that enhance its luster. Such specimens are extremely rare, especially given the closure of the Manhattan Mine. The gold crystal clusters, visible from all angles, exhibit thousands of small flat right angular faces closely formed together to form a single robust crystal. Dense and displaying a rich, buttery yellow color, this specimen stands out from the pale-yellow crystals typically found in this locality. This natural gold specimen is an extraordinary example from this site.
14 x 12 x 3.4 mm
1.32 grams