Description/Interesting Notes:
A magnificent, old time example of native gold from Colorado!!! This rare Colorado beauty consists of a quartz matrix that hosts a
some darkly colored sphalerite, numerous brilliant pyrite crystals, and a significant showing of finely crystallized native gold!!! This is
old, 19th century material and native gold can be seen scattered all around the specimen!!! The native
gold is present in a variety of forms throughout the specimen, however the most abundant - and most striking - are the showy networks of
complex, crystalline "wires" of native gold!!! In addition to the elongated "wires" there are all manner of complex and curious
forms including some complex "chunky" crystals as well as
networks of fine, hackly crystals and thin, brilliant sheet-like crystals!!! The pyrite crystals are sharply cubic with brilliantly metallic, striated
faces and are quite striking in and of themeselves as well!!! The darkly colored sphalerite ranges from near black in color with a slightly bluish iridescent luster
to brownish translucent color!!! The sphalerite hosts a dense and significant network of native gold crystals included within!!! These
crystals can be seen protruding from the sphalerite as well as included within the translucent areas!!! There is much more gold
present on this specimen than it appears in the pics!!! This is a very significant old timer from this historic and seldom referenced locality!!!
This specimen retains a label from the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum as well!!! Interestingly, the museum label comments on the
fact that it is a good comparison of the difference between native gold and "fool's gold" (also known as pyrite)!!! These old Colorado
gold specimens are extremely scarce!!! Don't miss out!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 5-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY JUNE 23rd!!!
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