Native Gold Specimen. Approximately 97.0 mm x 69.5 mm x 55.3 mm. 960 grams (30.86 troy ounces). An exceptional gold specimen, and the largest we recall having handled. Beautiful honey-toned gold with small natural deposits in the recesses that darken those areas slightly, accentuating the intricacies of this complex natural formation. Among the deposits are the usual small quartz crystals that are frequently seen in natural specimens. Handling has somewhat softened the outer edges, but the inner structures remain sharp and reveal evidence of their interwoven crystalline forms. An occasional octahedron or small hopper formation is seen upon close inspection, while the overall shape is consistent with a natural crystal. With a specimen of this size the purity of the gold is naturally a central question, particularly considering the visible natural deposits. A laboratory examination revealed (through XRF testing) that the metal is 95.38% fine gold, while the specific gravity suggests that the weight of the actual metal is 26.78 troy ounces. This would align with an actual pure gold weight of 25.54 troy ounces.<p>As far as we can recall, the only other one of similarly substantial size to appear in one of our sales was in our August 2008 Marshall Collection sale. That specimen was "well over 20 ounces" in total weight, and realized just shy of $52,000 at a time when the market price of gold was hovering around $850 per ounce.<p>This is a specimen of superb quality that is both attractively formed and quite large. It is a trophy gold specimen suitable for museum display or as a centerpiece of a great gold or mineral collection. As with just about anything large and gold, it is a captivating piece to hold and study!
