Stunning, 1.6" Native Gold Formation in Quartz - Morocco

This is an alluring formation of native gold on/in its natural quartz matrix. It was mined in the Assa-Zag Province of Morocco, where it formed within a hydrothermal deposit. The gold shows nice crystallization and a phenomenal luster. This specimen measures 1.6" wide and the largest gold crystal (formation) is .4" wide. The entire specimen weighs 13.3 grams.

The specimen has been mounted to an acrylic display base with mineral tack.

Gold (Au) is one of the most highly prized and widely used elements known to man. It is used in the production of jewelry, coin currency, electronics, dentistry, computers, pigments, optics, and medicine, with a wide variety of additional applications. It occurs naturally as elemental (native) gold within rocks, hydrothermal veins, and alluvial deposits, ranging in size from microscopic grains to massive nuggets depending on deposition conditions. Often it is naturally alloyed with other minerals, requiring mechanical and chemical processes to refine.

Trace amounts of gold can be found nearly everywhere throughout the lithosphere, but large deposits are only found in select locations around the world. China is by far the world's largest gold producer, producing over 400 tons of gold annually. Other countries that produce significant amounts of gold include Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Ghana, and Australia.

SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Gold (Au) & Quartz
LOCATION
Assa-Zag Province, Guelmim-Oued Noun Region, Morocco
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 1.6 x 1.2", Total Weight: 13.3 grams
CATEGORY
ITEM
#213548