Smuggler Union Mine, Marshall Basin, Telluride Mining District, Colorado, USA

This specimen hosts a very rich network of finely crystallized native gold in a quartz matrix. This specimen is just loaded with native gold. Upon close inspection with a loupe or scope, one can see some tiny crystalline features. The gold has a rich, buttery yellow hue.

© Jasun McAvoy www.mineralman.com

The Dumps of the Smuggler looking up Marshall Basin.

USGS Photo by C.W. Cross, 1895. Looking WSW from trail between Savage and Marshall basins. The Smuggler-Union tunnel in foreground; gorges of San Miguel and Bear Creeks; Mt. Wilson group in background. Telluride quadrangle, San Miguel County, Colorado. Courtesy USGS Historical Mine Photo Library.