{"product_id":"crystalline-gold-with-arsenopyrite-on-quartz","title":"Crystalline Gold with Arsenopyrite on Quartz","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrystalline Gold with Arsenopyrite in Quartz — Sixteen-to-One Mine, Alleghany, California (~114 Ma):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe legendary Original Sixteen-to-One Mine, located in the historic town of Alleghany in Sierra County, California. It is world-famous among collectors for producing some of the finest jewelry-grade crystalline gold in quartz ever found. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese deposits form throughout Earth's history when mineral-rich, superheated fluids circulate through fault zones and precipitate gold alongside sulfides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen is composed of three distinct mineral phases, each with its own chemical makeup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative Gold (Au): \u003cbr\u003eThe bright yellow, malleable metal. At the Sixteen-to-One Mine, this gold is exceptionally high-purity, typically consisting of roughly 80% to 90% pure gold alloyed with 10% to 20% silver (electrum).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArsenopyrite (FeAsS): \u003cbr\u003eThe metallic, silver-gray to steel-gray crystals. It is an iron arsenic sulfide made of equal parts iron, arsenic, and sulfur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuartz (SiO₂):\u003cbr\u003eThe white, translucent matrix surrounding the gold. It is a crystalline network made of silicon and oxygen (silicon dioxide).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"otQkpb\" aria-level=\"3\" role=\"heading\" data-animation-nesting=\"\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 24px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e1. Rock Classification\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"KsbFXc U6u95\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwjyp7_I-tiVAxWZpIkEHdqaLv4Q-7AUegYIAAgEEAA\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBBAA\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBBAB\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eRock Type:\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Hydrothermal Quartz Vein (Orogenic Lode Deposit)\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBBAC\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eCategory:\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Metamorphic\/Hydrothermal Rock\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e [\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/web.itu.edu.tr\/~okayn\/JEO112E\/reading7.htm\"\u003e1\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Fsg96\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-sfc-inited=\"2\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"otQkpb\" aria-level=\"3\" role=\"heading\" data-animation-nesting=\"\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 24px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e2. Composition Breakdown\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"KsbFXc U6u95\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-ved=\"2ahUKEwjyp7_I-tiVAxWZpIkEHdqaLv4Q-7AUegYIAAgFEAA\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBRAA\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBRAB\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eMajor Matrix (90%–98%):\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eQuartz (SiO₂)\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — The primary host rock.\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBRAC\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eMinor Sulfides (1%–5%):\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eArsenopyrite (FeAsS)\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — The silver-metallic crystals.\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBRAD\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e \u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eNative Gold (Au)\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — The yellow crystalline veins\/pockets.\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBxAI\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003ePrimary Rock:\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartz vein\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBxAJ\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eMetallic Minerals:\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Arsenopyrite, Native Gold (Electrum)\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"Z1qcYe\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-hveid=\"CAAIBxAK\" data-complete=\"true\" data-sae=\"\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" aria-owns=\"action-menu-parent-container\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003eChemical Elements:\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Silicon, Oxygen, Iron, Arsenic, Sulfur, Gold, Silver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"Fsg96\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"ep\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-sfc-inited=\"2\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(230, 232, 240);'\u003e\u003c!--TgQPHd||[]--\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeological Specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeological Era: Mesozoic Era \u003cbr\u003eGeological Period: Early Cretaceous Period\u003cbr\u003eAbsolute Age: Approximately 114 million years old.\u003cbr\u003eTectonic Event: The mineralization formed during the Nevadan\/Sierran Orogeny, a major mountain-building event where tectonic plate collisions forced superheated, gold-bearing fluids up into fault lines, forming rich \"pockets\" of quartz, gold, and arsenopyrite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Safety Protocols:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Essential)Wear Gloves:\u003cbr\u003eAlways use disposable gloves when handling the raw specimen to avoid absorbing traces of arsenic through your skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWash Hands:\u003cbr\u003eThoroughly clean your hands with soap and warm water if you touch the rock directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever Heat or Crush: \u003cbr\u003eGrinding, smashing, or heating arsenopyrite releases highly toxic, dangerous arsenic gas that smells like garlic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Gentle Cleaning Methods:\u003cbr\u003eBecause gold is soft and arsenopyrite can degrade, avoid aggressive chemical acids (like nitric acid) or ultrasonic cleaners, which can shatter delicate crystalline gold structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater and Soap Wash:\u003cbr\u003eSoak the specimen briefly in a lukewarm, mild soap solution\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrush Carefully:\u003cbr\u003eUse a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away surface dirt or loose clay from the quartz pockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry Thoroughly:\u003cbr\u003eMoisture is the enemy of sulfide minerals. Pat it dry with a towel immediately after washing, or use a hair dryer on a cool\/no-heat setting to dry inside tight quartz crevices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Proper Storage \u0026amp; Display:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eControl Humidity:\u003cbr\u003eStore the piece in a dry environment. High humidity triggers oxidation, which causes arsenopyrite to lose its metallic luster and tarnish into iridescent pink, brown, or copper colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse Silica Gel:\u003cbr\u003ePlace a small packet of silica gel inside its display case or storage box to absorb any ambient moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep Out of Direct Sunlight:\u003cbr\u003eIntense sunlight and heat accelerate the breakdown of sulfides, potentially creating a hazardous white powder coating called arsenolite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore Separately: \u003cbr\u003eDo not let the specimen rub or bump against other rocks in your collection. Keep it separated in its own individual box to protect the fragile gold crystals from bending or snapping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystalline Gold in Quartz (with Arsenopyrite)\u003cbr\u003eSixteen-to-One Mine, \u003cbr\u003eAlleghany, California\u003cbr\u003eMesozoic Era (Cretaceous) — ~114 Ma\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMined from California's historic Sixteen-to-One Mine, this specimen showcases the stunning contrast of natural crystalline gold and silver-grey arsenopyrite inside a quartz pocket. These rich \"pockets\" were deposited over 110 million years ago when tectonic collisions forced superheated, mineral-rich fluids up into the Sierra Nevada mountain faults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium Crystalline Gold with Arsenopyrite in Quartz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocality: Original Sixteen-to-One Mine, Alleghany, Sierra County, California, USA\u003cbr\u003eGeological Era: Mesozoic Era (Early Cretaceous Period, ~114 Million Years Old)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eMatrix: Translucent to white vein quartz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclusions:  Bright, high-purity crystalline native gold intergrown with metallic, silver-gray arsenopyrite crystals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignificance: Sourced from California's most famous underground lode gold mine, renowned for producing world-class jewelry-grade specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: Arsenopyrite contains iron, sulfur, and arsenic. Handle with care, wash hands after handling, and display safely away from high heat or moisture.*\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize\/Dimensions:  1.5\" x 1.5\" x 1\"inch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight:: 27g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Age Realms","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44834262745171,"sku":"01459","price":1980.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/8720\/9043\/files\/IMG_20250126_163608_01.jpg?v=1780096448","url":"https:\/\/newagerealms.com\/products\/crystalline-gold-with-arsenopyrite-on-quartz","provider":"New Age Realms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}