SUPERB AND LARGE CALIFORNIAN CRYSTAL GOLD IN QUARTZ . ...

Description

SUPERB AND LARGE CALIFORNIAN CRYSTAL GOLD IN QUARTZ
16 to 1 Mine, Alleghany, California, USA
This spectacular specimen is from the renowned 16 to 1 mine in the MotherLode area of California. Founded in 1911, the mine is famed for its long and successful operation, and for the several extremely large Gold masses recovered there, including the 13.3 pounder nicknamed "The Whopper". Gold is most often found in Quartz veins and this specimen's matrix indicates that is the case here. This Gold is of beautifully delicate, arborescent appearance, with sparkling crystalline texture on the folds and scoops, and within the cavities littered with Gold crystals, wending their way through tortuous passages deep inside. It is further enlivened by a goodly quantity of milk-white Quartz of contrasting, blocky form, enmeshed within the bright yellow mass. This coloring denotes a high karat content (purity), characteristic of specimens from this area. Specific gravity testing estimates the weight of Gold in this specimen to be around 863g (27.75 ozs troy). A superb, large, and highly aesthetic specimen from a famed locality, it measures approximately 4 x 3¼ x 2 inches (10 x 8 x 5 cm) and comes with a 2010 lab report (since which time approximately 28g of Quartz has been mechanically removed to enhance the aesthetics).

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