![](https://images2.bonhams.com/image?src=Images/live/2017-10/25/24682686-2-2.jpg&width=640&height=480&autosizefit=1)
Realized $4735 usd.
"A rare crystallized gold specimen having large crystals and excellent aesthetics in its arborescent form. Having a vein of gold running through the quartz which displays both black and white. The proportions of the crystallized area vs. matrix are pleasing to the eye and help to establish this as a fine cabinet specimen"
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24276/lot/2138/
![](https://images2.bonhams.com/image?src=Images/live/2017-03/31/24616572-5-2.jpg&width=640&height=480&autosizefit=1)
Realized $15,000 usd.
Crystalline gold is extremely rare: nearly all gold produced today is derived from large ore bodies containing microscopic gold. Specimens of crystalline gold in its natural state - free to express its external structure in its growth forms and surfaces - are an extraordinary occurrence. Of large size, the present specimen of crystallized gold sits elegantly perched upon a matrix of virgin white quartz. One of the aesthetic tests of all fine display specimens is whether a specimen is capable of standing on its own--and this one easily fills that measure with its regal presentation.
Gross weight approximately 4.72 ozt (147.3 grams). Measuring 2 1/2 x 2 x 1in (45.94 x 27.13 x 57.98m"
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24041/lot/1014/
As I thought, looking around, there can be plenty of interest in certain quality well-formed, free standing gold quartz specimens and can demand a pretty price at auction.
Throw in a great mine history. Clean up the quartz some. Would certainly have a low processing cost. Lol. Something I hope they are aware of as they are blasting some of the veins.
https://collectorsedge.com/pages/the-colorado-quartz-mine-mariposa-county-california
This article shows some of the before and after larger finds.
Some even get their own names.
The Dragon.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1281/8845/files/Dragon_Gold_5b1bb838-7df5-4e2c-8c4e-7c8c2c2aec86.jpg?v=1489771277)