Gems, gold, meteorites and prehistoric treasures populate Nature & Science auction in Dallas

At Heritage Auctions, June 2, 2016; featuring a wide array of Natural History and Scientific rarities aimed at designers and collectors across the spectrum

DALLAS – A truly incredible specimen of Crystallized Gold on Quartz, hailing from the renowned Sixteen to One Gold Mine in California – America’s most famous gold mine, known for the spectacular specimens that have been mined from it since the late 1800s – is expected to bring $40,000+ to lead Heritage Auctions’ June 2, 2016 Nature & Science Signature® Auction at the company Arts District Annex, 1518 Slocum Street, in Dallas.

It is accompanied at the top of the auction by a stunning Very Fine 32.39 carat Tanzanite, which appears as blue, violet and burgundy depending on its orientation and lighting, which may bring $30,000+, along with a museum quality 32-pound polished Turquoise nugget from Sonora, Mexico, carrying a $25,000+ pre-auction estimate.

“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.”

decorative pieces which should appeal to designers and those with an appreciation for interior décor

Meteorites are always an important staple of Heritage Nature & Science auctions and the June 2, 2016 event features a wide array of top shelf specimens, including a spectacular Seymchan Meteorite End Cut Pallasite, exquisitely polished to reveal the diagnostic latticework Widmanstätten pattern on the smooth face. It carries an estimate of $15,000+. Among the many intriguing and beautiful ancient fossils featured in the auction a dramatic Trilobite Fossil, more than a foot in size – and sourced from Oldenburg, Indiana – provides a stunning prehistoric anchor with a $15,000+ pre-auction estimate.

Among the other highlights in the auction, a superb “Apache” Agate from Nuevo Casa Grandes in Chihuahua, Mexico is already creating buzz among collectors. These gorgeous and rare mineral specimens come exclusively from a remote village in Mexico and are extremely coveted by elite collectors. This specimen, measuring 10.75” x 9.06” x 9.45”, carries a pre-auction estimate of $10,000+. Among the most beautiful pieces in the auction is a superb 18-inch Gem Ammonite in Matrix, straight from the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada, the only place in the world these wonders are found. It is expected to bring $25,000+.

Further highlights include, but are certainly not limited to:

Native Copper, Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan, USA: Overall measurements 24.02” x 8.66” x 3.54”. Estimate $10,000+.

Triceratops Brow Horn, Late Cretaceous, Hell Creek Formation, Montana: Overall measurements 22.44” x 5.71” x 5.12”. Estimate $10,000+.

Sculptural Calcite Bowl, Andes Mountains, Argentina, South America: Overall measurements 27.95” x 14.57” x 7.09”. Estimate $8,000+.

Spinosaurus Dinosaur Claw, Middle Cretaceous, Tegana Formation: Overall measurements are 5.12” x 1.57” x 0.92”. Estimate $7,000+.

Tiger’s Eye Bowl from Mt. Brockman Station, Pilbara, Western Australia: Overall measurements 8.46” x 8.66” x 3.15”. Estimate $4,000+.

Large Shattuckite box, Stone Source: Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre), artist Konstantin Libman: Estimate $3,000+.

Amber with a dozen Isoptera winged termites and Hymenoptera winged ants: Estimate $1,000+.

Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the United States and the world’s third largest, with annual sales of more than $850 million, and 950,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and receive access to a complete record of prices realized, with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com