Rare and Immense American Turquoise Nugget
Kingman Area, Cerbat Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona
Discovered in 1979, this remarkable 103 pounds nugget is one of the three largest ever found in the United States—and is the only one available on the open market. Vivid greenish-blue, the origin of its color is entirely natural with no enhancements. The surface texture is extremely intricate with an abundance of crevices—evidence of botryoidal growth, with a lighter blue glossy band visible across one face.
Of the three large nuggets discovered that year, one was carved into a sculpture which is currently housed an exhibit at the J. W. Cooper Gallery in the Time Warner Building in New York City. The other is presently in private ownership in Arizona. The present offering is a rare opportunity to acquire an American mineral treasure, dramatically presented on its dramatically contrasting wooden base.
Measures 22 x 18 x 8 in (56 x 46 x 20cm). Height with base: 34 in
Discovered in 1979, this remarkable 103 pounds nugget is one of the three largest ever found in the United States—and is the only one available on the open market. Vivid greenish-blue, the origin of its color is entirely natural with no enhancements. The surface texture is extremely intricate with an abundance of crevices—evidence of botryoidal growth, with a lighter blue glossy band visible across one face.
Of the three large nuggets discovered that year, one was carved into a sculpture which is currently housed an exhibit at the J. W. Cooper Gallery in the Time Warner Building in New York City. The other is presently in private ownership in Arizona. The present offering is a rare opportunity to acquire an American mineral treasure, dramatically presented on its dramatically contrasting wooden base.
Measures 22 x 18 x 8 in (56 x 46 x 20cm). Height with base: 34 in
Estimate:
US$ 130,000 - 180,000
£86,000 - 120,000
€100,000 - 140,000
£86,000 - 120,000
€100,000 - 140,000
Footnotes
- Offered on a rustic custom-made of mesquite wood.
Please note: This item is being offered in situ. This lot will not be on display in our Los Angeles gallery. Shipping to purchaser will occur from an off-site location. For further information, please contact the Natural History Department.
Category: Natural History
Auction terms and conditions
Contacts
Claudia Florian
Bonhams
Work
7601 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles,
90046
United States
WorkTel:
+1 323 436 5437
FaxFax: +1 323 850 5843
Auction Administration
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Natural History