Photo Credit: wow-nuggets
4.98 Gram Natural Australian Gold Nugget
Buy It Now Price: $348.68 (price as of 2018; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This 4.98 gram (0.1601 troy ounce) natural Australian gold nugget measures approximately 17mm (0.67 inches) in length. The relatively small size of this nugget is the result of gold’s incredibly high density (19.3 grams per cubic cm).
-Natural gold nuggets have become extremely rare as humanity has gradually mined out all the high grade gold deposits on earth. As an example, a rich open-pit gold mine operating today might only yield 3 grams of pure gold for every metric ton of ore mined. This gold will be so finely dispersed throughout the excavated rock that it will not be visible to the naked eye. When viewed from this standpoint, gold nuggets are an absolute miracle of nature.
-Australian gold nuggets have the highest purity, on average, of any gold nuggets found on the planet. This particular specimen is in the 23 karat range, with an estimated purity of between 92% and 98%.
-This natural Australian gold nugget is particularly beautiful, with a richly saturated gold color and an alluringly craggy surface. The value of a gold nugget is significantly impacted by its shape, color and overall aesthetic appeal. An awkwardly or poorly shaped nugget will be much less desirable than an unusually or interestingly shaped example. Luckily, this is a gorgeous looking gold nugget.
-If we assume a purity of 95%, this natural Australian gold nugget has a bullion value of approximately $203 with the price of gold trading at $1,335 a troy ounce. This translates into a premium over bullion value of 71.7%, which is acceptable given the nugget’s high purity and attractive look.
-A gold nugget’s surface appearance can be a clue to its country of origin. Compact, smooth nuggets are generally the result of centuries of hydraulic action in streams, while rough, highly textured nuggets usually originate from drier climates. The delightfully cavernous, slightly coarse look of this nugget is in line with its Australian provenance (Australia is a notoriously dry continent).
-This natural Australian gold nugget ships straight from the goldfields of Australia! The seller is a gold prospector and either finds his own inventory or purchases it from his fellow Australian gold miners and prospectors. So you know you are getting this beauty right from the source.
Cons:
-There are larger natural gold nuggets available. But although a larger specimen would be more desirable, it would also cost substantially more.
-You might be able to pick up a natural Australian gold nugget for a lower premium over melt value. However, I think this particular Australian gold nugget is a magnificent specimen with a unique and interesting look. Because of this, I think it merits the $349 asking price.
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