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Gold, Carnon Stream Works, Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England
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Gold, Carnon Stream Works, Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England
Gold is a native element and precious metal which has been prized by mankind for thousands of years for its beauty, malleability and resistance to corrosion. This gold nugget is the largest known to have been found in Cornwall and weighs 1 oz t, 18 dwt. 6 grs. It was found in January 1808 in the Carnon Valley tin-stream works and bought by collector Philip Rashleigh in March of the same year. Rashleigh wrote in his Manuscript (112 Au): Native Gold found in Carnon Stream work in Cornwall weighs - 1 oz. 18 pw. 6 gr. Troy this piece has had all the extra matter picked out except a mite in one place the marks of many others remain. The smoothness of the piece shews the great time it has been washed by the water where it was exposed and the hollow parts more rough gives a proof of its not being manufactured. In the ownership of Mr Wills, a silversmith from Truro, the find was reported in the Royal Cornwall Gazette on 6th February 1808 this is unquestionably the largest and most beautiful specimen ever found in Cornwall, or probably in any other country. The paper reported in March 1808 that Rashleigh purchased the specimen from Mr Wills. Mineral analysis undertaken in 2018 indicates that the gold content in the nugget is in the high 90s while other gold nuggets from the Carnon Stream Works, which were analysed, are around the 70s. As a result, it has been suggested that this gold nugget may have been refined and worked into a forgery by the silversmith who sold it to Rashleigh. Rashleigh Collection
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : 1903.1.3178
Media ID 19574196
© RIC, photographer A.G. Tindle
English Geology Metal Metallic Mine Mineral Mines Mining Specimen Yellow Element
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the magnificent "Gold, Carnon Stream Works" nugget, a true testament to the allure and enduring value of this precious metal. Weighing an impressive 1 ounce troy, 18 pennyweights, and 6 grains, this exceptional find is hailed as the largest ever discovered in Cornwall. Unearthed in January 1808 at the renowned Carnon Valley tin-stream works in Perranarworthal, Cornwall, it quickly caught the attention of collector Philip Rashleigh. In March of that same year, Rashleigh acquired this extraordinary specimen from Mr Wills, a skilled silversmith based in Truro. The historical significance of this gold nugget cannot be overstated. Its smoothness bears witness to centuries spent being gently washed by water while exposed to nature's elements. The presence of some rougher areas serves as evidence that it was not artificially manufactured but rather formed naturally over time. However, recent mineral analysis conducted in 2018 has raised intriguing questions about its authenticity. While other gold nuggets from Carnon Stream Works typically contain around 70% gold content, this particular nugget boasts a significantly higher purity level exceeding 90%. This discrepancy has led experts to speculate whether it may have been refined or manipulated into a forgery by Mr Wills himself before selling it to Rashleigh. Nonetheless, regardless of its origins or potential alterations made throughout history, there is no denying the sheer beauty and allure emanating from this remarkable piece. Now part of the esteemed Rashleigh Collection at Royal Cornwall Museum under Andy Tindle's expert curation - it stands as an everlasting symbol of mankind's fascination with gold's timeless splendor and enduring worth.
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