TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Oro Nativo

Oro is a mineral with formula Au, in the Elementos nativos group. This specimen comes from Lake Catcha, Lake Catcha gold district, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canadá and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Oro Nativo from Lake Catcha, Lake Catcha gold district, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canadá — Terrium

Description

Native gold on quartz with a wing-like form. Well-defined crystals of gold are visible in fractures of the matrix.

History of this specimen

My first gold and a reference piece within the Palasaca selection. I acquired it for its sculptural form. One of my favourites.

About Oro

Native gold crystallises in the cubic system and commonly occurs as sheets, grains or filaments embedded in quartz or sulphides. It is one of the most prized native elements, valued for its rarity as well as its historical and economic significance.

About the locality

The Lake Catcha deposit in Nova Scotia is a classic Canadian locality for gold in quartz matrix. It was worked from the mid-19th century, and today the recovery of quality specimens is limited, increasing its desirability to collectors.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0132
Composition
Au
Name
Oro
Variety
Nativo
Group
Elementos nativos
Category
Cupidium
Matrix
Cuarzo
Mine
Lake Catcha
District / Municipality
Lake Catcha gold district
Province
Halifax
Region
Nova Scotia
Country
Canadá
Size (cm)
3.5 x 1.6 x 0.4
Weight
3.84 g
Acquired
2025
Etymology
From the Latin "aurum", meaning "bright dawn".
Quality
Top
Value trend
Al alza

Related specimens

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