A spectacular selection of natural wonders will be on offer in Dallas next month, as part of Heritage Auctions’ Nature & Science Signature Auction.
Leading the catalogue is a remarkable Crystallized Gold on Quartz specimen discovered at the renowned Sixteen to One Gold Mine in California. The rare formation features dodecahedral crystals of Gold rising up from the interior of a white Quartz matrix, offering a sublime contrast between the two materials.
Having been part of the personal collection of Sixteen-to-One Mine owner Michael Miller, the specimen is regarded as one of the finest to originate from the mine, and is expected to sell for $40,000-$60,000.
Further geological wonders will include a 32.39 Ct. Tanzanite stone, estimated at $30,000-$50,000; a large piece of polished Turquoise from Nacozari de Garcia in Sonora, Mexico, valued at $25,000-$35,000; and a large example of Rhodochrosite & Quartz from the Home Sweet Home Mine in Colorado, estimated at $25,000-$35,000.
Notable natural history specimens are led by a huge Wooly Mamoth tusk, measuring more than seven feet long from root to tip. Discovered by a gold miner outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, the museum-quality example comes with an estimate of $30,000-$50,000.
Collectors will also have the chance to acquire a selection of stunning Gem Ammonites, such as an example from the Bearpaw Formation of Alberta, Canada, valued at $30,000-$50,000.
Out of this world items will include a Nickel-Iron ‘Gibeon’ Meteorite, originally discovered in Namibia, estimated at $20,000-$30,000, and an end-cut specimen from the famous Seymchan Meteorite, discovered in the Magadan district of Russia in 1967, valued at $15,000-$25,000.
"The hallmark of this auction is variety," said Craig Kissick, Director of Nature & Science at Heritage Auctions. "We’ve curated this auction to appeal not only to Nature & Science collectors at every level of the hobby, but also specifically with decorative pieces that should appeal to designers as well as those with an appreciation for interior décor. I imagine that anyone that looks through this catalog will find something they want."
The sale takes place on June 7.
