Crystallized Gold on Quartz
Mockingbird Mine, Mariposa County, California
This crystallized gold specimen from the Mockingbird Gold Mine developed a complex network of dendritic vein system with irregularly distributed amounts of crystallized gold appearing at structurally controlled points. What’s interesting are the two distinct coloration of native gold crystals on the quartz matrix. The left side is much lighter than the right making this extremely rare and unique occurrence from this locality.. This well-crystallized example shows the same brilliance of luster and perfection of crystal form as that specimen. In some areas the gold displays incredibly bright lustrous leaf crystals with sharp trigons on its surface while others exhibit clusters of octahedral crystal habits. The mesh network of crystals display thousands of smaller complex web of incredible and fascinating crystal morphology unlike any other we seen. Crystallization is equally good on both sides, as can be seen in the photos. Luster is as good as it gets for Native Gold and the obvious high-karat nature of the piece is apparent in the rich coloration.
50 x 54 x 20 mm 
33.38 grams