London, UK, 24 April 2025 – A stunning crystallised gold specimen, nicknamed “The Dragon” for its striking appearance, is now on display at the Natural History Museum in London. Considered one of the finest mineral treasures globally, the Dragon is on loan from the Houston Museum of Natural Science and is making its first-ever appearance in the UK.
The Dragon is showcased in the Museum’s recently renovated Vault, located at the end of the Minerals Gallery. The Vault, a unique gallery space, is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary and valuable mineral treasures, including the Aurora Pyramid of Hope, an unparalleled collection of 296 coloured diamonds, and the Devonshire Emerald—one of the largest and most vividly coloured emeralds ever discovered.
A spokesperson for the Museum’s Mineral Curation department commented, “The Dragon is a famous specimen, and it’s a privilege to have it on display alongside other remarkable pieces from the mineralogical world. It offers a rare opportunity to compare the flawless gold crystals with the tactile, rounded crystals of the Latrobe nugget, which is also on display.”
The crystallisation of gold is an exceptional phenomenon, and this specimen is a prime example of nature’s artistry. Discovered by miners in a region renowned for producing rare and collectible specimens, the Dragon was carefully extracted from the wall of an underground mine. Using a metal detector to pinpoint its location, workers meticulously removed the surrounding rock and clay, revealing the gold crystals in their natural form.
With its mesmerizing dragon-like shape and brilliant lustre, this specimen stands as a testament to the beauty and rarity of crystallised gold.
The Dragon is now replacing the Winchcombe meteorite, which will be moved to the Museum’s upcoming exhibition, Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, opening on 16 May 2025. The Winchcombe meteorite is notable for being the first meteorite to be recovered in the UK in 30 years.
