Description/Interesting Notes:
A rare, old time example of gold amalgam from Peru!!! This specimen consists of a complex mass of native gold
and mercury amalgam!!! Although this specimen was collected long ago, it is the result of previous gold placer
mining in the region which has been going on since the late 1800's!!! The use of mercury in the extraction of
gold has been known since the ancient Romans!!! The mercury readily bonds to fine particles of native gold and
almost acts like a sticky sponge, sopping up any bits of gold it comes in contact with until it is fully saturated
with gold and can hold no more!!! This material is dense and rigid and has a bright metallic hue!!! Upon close
inspection with a loupe or scope one can see some golden highlights and dense groups of tiny spheres that look
like clusters of silver grapes!!! This specimen is from the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum and although it does not retain a label a digital
copy will be provided upon request (this specimen was part of
group of three similar specimens with just one label)!!! 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 MONDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 3-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY JULY 7th!!!
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