NATIVE GOLD with NAUMANNITE and CLAUSTHALITE

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

We all know of Native Gold at Hope's Nose in Devon, England, and collectors of British minerals will be well aware that many other, even rarer species have been found in the gold bearing veins which disappear beneath the sea. These species are not easy to obtain, so this is an excellent opportunity to acquire the silver selenide, Naumannite and lead selenide, Clausthalite. I will not attempt to differentiate the two species which occur in the acid-etched red and cream Calcite as globular aggregates of grey grains, together with micro-specks of buttery Native Gold. Hope's Nose forms a coastal headland, separating Tor Bay from Babbacombe Bay and is in the Wellswood district of Torquay. This wonderful small cabinet specimen contains rich patches of Naumannite and Clausthalite of up to 1.5 cm, around which are specks and pinheads of buttery Native Gold. All three rare species are also present in the flat sawn base.