Gold (crystallized ''leaf'')

Item Description

Please note that this specimen is labeled as coming from Downieville, but it honestly looks like it could be from the Grass Valley area or even the Red Ledge Mine. At first glance this might appear to be simply a flattened "leaf" of Gold, but upon close inspection, you can see it's actually CRYTALLIZED, as the edges show defined (albeit compressed), sharp crystal faces, and the central surface features tiny octahedral "hillocks", which are best seen under magnification. The piece has a rich hue, with an almost orange overtone (due to minor copper content), and it displays beautifully from either side. Excellent form, quality and visceral beauty on this full-sized thumbnail. A great piece for any fan of Gold, thumbnails or minerals of California. Specimen weight is 0.94 grams. Valued $2,000-$2,500.
From the collection of George Elling, a prominent East Coast collector.