Description/Interesting Notes:
An absolutely magnificent example of native gold from this rare and historic locale!!! Examples of native gold from
North Carolina are incredibly scarce indeed - and this is an extraordinary specimen!!! This specimen hosts an impressive showing of
native gold richly distributed throughout the matrix!!! The native gold is present as hackly, dense, almost spongiform masses!!! Upon
close inspection the gold could almost be described as "platy" - consisting of intergrown, irregular ribbons with some
crystalline features visible under close study!!! I must stress that there is a lot more gold present than it appears from the pics - since a
significant portion of native gold is obscured by ochre-colored "rusty" material (however it is immediately apparent in person)!!!
The native gold fills the large voids in the matrix in combination with this rusty-looking alteration material!!!
North Carolina was the sight of the first significant gold discovery in the colonies and triggered the very first gold rush in 1799!!!
This specimen is quite showy and handsome in person!!! Simply amazing old time material!!!
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!! This specimen is from the collection of Tony Nikischer!!! We just acquired
the 6000+ specimen PERSONAL collection of Tony Nikischer and there are going to be some very exciting minerals to come
in the upcoming days and weeks!!! Prior to the Nikischer collection this specimen was originally from the collection of
Florence Mecke (acquired from the late 1930's until the 1970's)!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!!
