Calaverite

Unknown Owner

Calaverite crystals, substantial for this species, measure to 6 mm with a metallic yellow-silver colour scattered over a naturally etched Quartz matrix with limited areas of purple Fluorite. This fine, large cabinet specimen is from the Portland mine in Cripple Creek, Teller County, Colorado, USA., which began operations in 1892. Calaverite is a gold-tellurium with the chemical formula AuTe2 and often containing a small percentage of silver. The accompanying photo shows some of the splendid Calaverite crystals on the Quartz matrix and while many such crystals sparkle as the specimen is tilted in the video. The reverse side also has Pyrite in the association. A magnificent and large specimen of this fairly rare gold telluride.