Natural History

Natural History

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 49. Crystalline Gold.

Crystalline Gold

Lot Closed

December 3, 07:49 PM GMT

Estimate

50,000 - 60,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Crystalline Gold

Round Mountain Mine, Nye County, Nevada, United States


3¾ x 2¾ x 1 inches (9.5 x 6.8 x 4.0 cm). 434 grams.


An exceptionally large mass of intergrown Spinel-Law twinned crystals. Includes tab of volcanic rhyolitic tuff.

Starting in the mid 1990's, Round Mountain was not only the most prolific producer of crystalline gold specimens, it also lays claim to some of the finest quality golds ever placed on the collector’s display shelf. Specimens from the mine are known for fine luster as well as exceptional and varied crystal habits. An impressive number of fine small pieces, and a limited number of larger specimens reached the market during a nearly 20 year span. Unfortunately, the mining company changed philosophy and mining methods, and the last specimen to be saved was nearly five years ago. However, cessation of the world's premier gold mine insures high collectible value and future growth.


Adding to the uniqueness of this specimen is the rare tab of volcanic rhyolitic tuff on its reverse. Given the geology of Round Mountain, matrix specimens like this are not often found.