Old West & Native American Auction

Fool’s Gold and Natural Gold Rock Samples

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Start price: $50

Estimated price: $100 - $150

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Description

This lot provides excellent samples between the dreaded pyrite (Fool’s Gold) and the real deal mineral, gold. The term “fool’s gold” originated because inexperienced gold prospectors were frequently fooled by pyrite’s resemblance to real gold, especially during the Gold Rush period. The pyrite sample is a striking mineral specimen which features sharp, translucent-to-opaque white/milky quartz crystals interspersed with a substantial amount of brass-yellow metallic pyrite matrix. The second piece is an excellent ore sample of natural gold in quartzite. This is a spectacular piece displaying striking, visible veins and flakes of brilliant yellow native gold running through a matrix of gray, white, and reddish-brown minerals.