Gold (1.31g)

specimen number:
2262138

location:
Feather River, Yuba Co., California, USA

description:
Bright crystallized cluster of native gold without matrix. In good condition.

The Feather River, particularly the stretches within Yuba County, California, is a legendary region for the recovery of high-purity native gold, often found in remarkable crystallized forms. Geologically, these deposits are linked to the erosion of gold-bearing quartz veins in the Sierra Nevada Mother Lode, which were transported and concentrated by ancient and modern fluvial processes into rich placer deposits. While most river gold is water-worn into smooth flakes or nuggets, the Feather River is noted for rare, delicate crystallized gold specimens, including hoppered cubes and dendritic structures that survived the journey from their hard-rock sources. Historically, mining and quarrying along the river surged during the California Gold Rush after 1848, with Yuba County becoming a hub for both small-scale panning and massive industrial efforts. Large-scale bucket-line dredging, which defined the region's output from the early 1900s through the 1960s, transformed the landscape and unearthed significant quantities of gold. Though industrial dredging has largely ceased, the area remains a favorite for recreational prospectors and mineralogists studying the mechanical transport of precious metals.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.