Crystallized Gold . Eagle's Nest Mine (Mystery Wind Mine). Sage Hill, Michigan Bluff District (Michigan Bluff deposit)... (Total: 2 )

Description

Crystallized Gold
Eagle's Nest Mine (Mystery Wind Mine)
Sage Hill, Michigan Bluff District (Michigan Bluff deposit)
Placer Co., California, USA

The majority of all Gold mined gets refined, so pieces which exist in nugget and in crystallized form are inherently rare. When it comes to such crystallized examples, aesthetics come into play as the value to collectors often far exceeds any value related to the Gold content, as is typically the case with nuggets. The ideal representation is this truly outstanding display specimen from the world-famous Eagle's Nest Mine - a top California locality for Gold. Weighing 280 grams (9.00 oz t), it is the museum-quality attributes that drive the value of such pieces. This wonderful example features incredible flat octahedrons and complex Spinel Twins, as well as a very vibrant luster on every surface. An important Gold and an incredible display mineral, this complex and stunning golden-yellow representation exhibits sharp edges, leaf forms, numerous holes, and two sides of which either could be the primary display face. As if those characteristics were not enough, this was once in the collection of legendary collector and Mathematician Dr. Steve Smale. Furthermore, a calendar titled "Beautiful Crystals" put out in 1993 with Photography and text by Smale features this Gold on its cover. This Gold specimen was one of his favorites of the 1990s. A sealed copy of the above-referenced calendar accompanies the offering as further provenance.
Measurements: 3.76 x 3.15 x 1.54 x inches (9.55 x 8.00 x 3.90 cm), weighs 280 grams

Provenance: Ex. Steve Smale Collection

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