Sponge Gold Cluster 
Manhattan Mine, Manhattan Mining District, Toquima Range, Nye County, Nevada, USA
This remarkable gold specimen features a complex, overlapping, sponge-like texture of native gold adorned with microcrystals on its surface. These microcrystals enhance the specimen's sparkle and significantly increase its luster. The rarity of this piece is heightened by the fact that the Manhattan Mine is no longer operational. Visible from all sides, the gold crystal clusters exhibit a slight dendritic crystallization pattern, complemented by a small amount of quartz matrix. The specimen is notably dense and displays a buttery yellow color, distinct from the pale yellow commonly found in crystals from this locality. This gold specimen is an outstanding example of the unique mineralogical characteristics of this area.
12 x 8 x 5 mm
1.33 gram
#242