DALLAS, TX.- 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."

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+.