NATIVE Gold ps. after Telluride - image 1

NATIVE Gold ps. after Telluride

Unknown Owner

This unusual pseudomorph is actually well-known from the Cripple Creek Mining District in Colorado and can be explained by decay of a gold-telluride species losing its tellurium - leaving behind just pure Native Gold. The actual gold-telluride species involved is uncertain, but Calverite is the most likely candidate given the bladed form with linear striations. This miniature specimen from David Hardman's collection is a very fine example, displaying the classic 'spongy' Native Gold infill with the sharp bladed shape of what it has replaced, or pseudomorphed. Individual pseudomorphs reach 6 mm in length.