Calaverite with Fluorite (Velte Collection)

Item Description

Calaverite is a VERY rare crystallized gold telluride species, found in good crystals over 1 mm in only a relatively few locations. The most classic old US locality for the species is from the silver and gold mines in Cripple Creek, Colorado (late 1800s and early 1900s). Few good pieces turn up today n the market, though. Most come from old collections and museum deaccessions. This is an excellent example with bright, metallic crystals scattered on the upper half of the matrix against a backdrop of purple fluorite. The crystals reach 2 mm on this piece. Photos simply cannot convey how rich this piece is - the flashes and crystals don't photo well. It is a fine combination piece. Ex Charles Velte Collection. valued $500-600