Crystallized Leaf Sponge Gold 
Original 16 to 1 Mine, Alleghany, California
This highly aesthetic gold specimen features complex crystallization called sponge gold. Its surface gold has crystallized into thousands of micro crystals giving it a sponge-like appearance. The gold is leafy and some smaller leaf crystals are branching out from its surface with intricate voids in between the crystallized gold. The gold exhibits many robust overlapping native gold clusters with some minor quartz still attached. The surface of the native gold is a very rich saturation of buttery yellow with very high luster in some areas. This leafy sponge gold is very displayable due to its large size and beautiful aesthetics on both sides. The gold specimen is a rare and prime example for its locality.
28 x 18 x7 mm
1.95 grams
#271