Native Gold with Krutaite from Mina El Dragon, Potosi, Bolivia – miniature specimen as unique piece
This miniature specimen shows native Gold in association with Krutite from Bolivia on a dark matrix. The Gold is visible as fine metallic inclusions and small areas that subtly contrast with the surrounding dark gray to black host rock.
The surface appears irregular and compact without clearly developed free standing crystals. The metallic reflections of the Gold still give the specimen an attractive visual appearance especially in contrast to the matte matrix. Crystals in the classical sense are not clearly developed here rather the Gold occurs as finely distributed native material within the rock.
Geology & Origin
Native Gold commonly forms in hydrothermal deposits and can occur in quartz veins as well as in sulfide rich ores. It precipitates from gold bearing fluids under suitable geochemical conditions.
The Mina El Dragon in Bolivia is a well known locality for rare selenides and complex mineral assemblages. The presence of Krutite a rare copper selenide together with native Gold makes such specimens particularly interesting as they reflect the diversity of geochemical processes within these deposits.
This table is for general information and orientation, although the sizes of the stones may vary. In addition, this specification is handled differently from region to region.
| Sizes |
|
Description |
approx. Sizes in mm/cm |
approx. Sizes in INCH |
| Capsule |
Capsule |
0.1–0.5 mm in a transparent hard capsule (approx. 1 cm) |
capsule contents 0.1–0.5 mm |
capsule contents 0.004–0.02 in |
| TN/mm |
Micromount (TN = Thumbnail) |
everything fitting in a TN Perky box or a MM box of approx. 1 in |
approx. 0.5–2.5 cm |
max. 1 in |
| Min |
Miniature specimen |
will not fit a TN or MM box anymore |
approx. 2.5–5 cm |
approx. 0.2–1.0 in |
| Scab |
small cabinet specimen |
approx. one-third to half a hand size |
approx. 5–9 cm |
approx. 1.0–2.0 in |
| Cab |
cabinet specimen |
full hand size |
approx. 9–15 cm |
approx. 2.0–3.5 in |
| large Cab |
large cabinet specimen |
approx. two hand sizes |
approx. 15–30 cm |
approx. 3.5–6.0 in |
| very large Cab |
very large cabinet specimen |
everything larger, no upper limit |
|
|
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation |
Meaning |
| xl |
single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls |
noticeable crystals |
| (xl) |
embedded or damaged |
| (xls) |
embedded or damaged |
| MASS |
massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP |
type locality of the original description |
| SWUV |
shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV |
ultraviolet reaction |
| SC |
self-collected |
| U |
unique (single unique piece) |
Usage Instructions
This product is ideal as a collector's item, decorative element, teaching material, or for scientific and exhibition purposes.
Legal Notices
Safety
We accept no liability for damages resulting from improper and/or non-recommended use. Please carefully assess the suitability of the product before any alternative use.
Responsible Provider
Mikon Mineralienkontor GmbH
Steinslieth 11
D-37130 Gleichen OT Klein Lengden
Email: info@mikon-online.com
