NATIVE GOLD. Tightner Mine, Alleghany, Forest District, Sierra County, California, USA. ...

Description

NATIVE GOLD
Tightner Mine, Alleghany, Forest District, Sierra County, California, USA

Now part of the "Original Sixteen to One Mine", the Tightner mine was one of the most prolific gold producers in the Alleghany District and the largest mine with the greatest gold production of any of the mines consolidated into the Sixteen to One property. The Tightner name was given in view of the gold veins' tendency to pinch down and tighten. The Gold found here was highly inconsistent in distribution, with totally barren areas interspersed with infrequent but extraordinarily rich masses of Gold. One ore shoot in the area yielded almost 75,000 ounces over a distance of 14 feet. Purchased out of an estate in 1963, this particular specimen was referred to as the "Snowman" and was on the cover of Rock & Gem magazine in July of 1996. Subsequent to that, it was placed in the Hoppel Collection. Although original specimen descriptions described it as "reinforced, but not repaired," the process of cleaning and trimming the "Snowman" revealed that it was actually a four specimens held together adroitly by glue. That was when it was determined that the "Snowman" was in fact an assembly. All have the rich color indicative of the very high purity of the Gold - approaching 24 Karat. So now we are offering these four specimens as separate lots.

Third in the "Snowman" series, this specimen has ribbons of arborescent Gold crystals running through a matrix of pure white "Bull Quartz". There is probably still a fair amount of Gold inside the Quartz. Condition is excellent with no signs of damage or distress. The specimen weighs 4.395 Troy ounces total weight.
Overall measurements: 3.5 x 2.75 x 1.5 inches (8.9 x 7 x 3.8 cm).

Provenance: Keith Proctor [Hoppel # D0359C]

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