Description & Provenance

Gold is just one of 118 elements and among thousands of minerals, but no other mineral resonates in the human psyche at such a basic level with its intrinsic value and cultural importance. The overwhelming fascination that mankind has had with gold has spanned thousands of years. Men have fought, killed and journeyed to the ends of the earth to find it, and there is no end to the perpetuation of mystical properties that are believed to be imbued within it. Despite this, not all gold is comparable. Gold in its natural state is typically found in amorphous nuggets or flakes. When quartz veins contain a significant amount of carbonate (conditions that are not reflective of all gold-bearing deposits), crystallized gold is able to form. As a beautiful and rare occurrence, crystalized gold is highly collectible and is always of a higher valuation.

This specimen is from the Eagle’s Nest Mine of California, it is among the most significant producers of crystallized gold for the entire world and is known not just for its quantity but its quality of specimens. The best examples exhibit beautifully defined crystal habits and complex structures in a bright, yellow-gold color, indicative of higher gold content. This specimen is a beautiful example that exhibits a variety of different habits in a single piece. Formations include clusters of flattened octahedra, herringbone structures, and dendrites. They sit perched upon a matrix of white quartz in an attractive formation that resembles outstretched wings. Its sharp terminations, contrasting matrix and attractive form make this a wonderful example of Californian gold.

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