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 (there also seems to
be a single tiny pebble as well)!!!
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!!!
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