Name: NATIVE Gold in Quartz
Brand: Crystal Classics
Price: 9500 USD
Availability: InStock

Updated 2d ago

NATIVE Gold in Quartz

Brusson mine near the Aosta Valley in northern Italy is one of the most remarkable gold deposits in Italy, if not Europe as a whole. Known since the 13th century it was during the latest years of the 19th century and early 20th century that it became more widely known for the exceptional richness of its ores, known as 'bonanza-style' gold. As with many gold deposits the gold occurs as pure metal, mineralogically termed Native Gold, but in most modern gold mines the Native Gold is almost invisible - recovered using acid leaching techniques. In 'bonanza-style' gold deposits, where gold grades can reach over 100 ozs per ton of rock, the gold is recovered by simple crushing and then gravity separation. Detailed production statistics for the mine are sparse, but between 1904 and 1909 716 kg of gold was produced and estimates for the total gold produced range from 4 to 6 tons. Preserved specimens as rich as this are unusual and at 4.4 cm tall it is extremely showy containing a very high proportion of bright visible gold forming net-like patterns within white vein Quartz. The whole specimen weighs in at 59 grams. In recent years the mine has been developed by the local authority as a tourist attraction and so it is unlikely that any new specimens will be recovered. Ex Siber and Siber Collection.

$9,500.00