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The millions of stories that Minerals convey, brought to you by {name}.

Georgia Foteinou

Description:
Like a silent stellar explosion frozen in mineral form, this Aragonite specimen emerges as a dense radial constellation of blades, expanding outward from a single nucleus with an intensity that feels both geological and almost cosmic. It is not merely a cluster, but a structure that suggests force, direction and release, as if the Earth itself had momentarily crystallised an act of expansion.

This is a museum grade Aragonite cluster from the Estaribar Valley in Navarra, Spain, defined by a highly expressive starburst formation. Dozens of elongated bladed crystals radiate outward in all directions from a compact central core, creating a fully three dimensional architecture with no dominant axis. The result is a specimen that appears spherical in energy rather than shape, with a visual rhythm that shifts continuously as the viewing angle changes.

The crystal habit is distinctly aragonite, characterised by acicular to bladed forms that grow in tight, radial aggregates. Each blade is sharply defined, slender and elongated, with well preserved surfaces that display fine textural detail. The growth is coherent and structurally unified, with all crystals anchored to a central point of nucleation, reinforcing the impression of a single, uninterrupted crystallisation event.

Chromatically, the specimen presents a deep metallic grey to near black tone, an uncommon and particularly striking expression for aragonite. This darker palette enhances the sculptural quality of the piece, allowing light to interact with the multitude of crystal faces in a controlled and dramatic way. Under directional lighting, the blades reflect with a sub metallic to vitreous lustre, producing sharp highlights contrasted against shadowed recesses, further amplifying depth and dimensionality.

The surface is richly textured, with micro crystallisation and secondary formations adding complexity without disrupting the overall coherence. These natural features are fully consistent with aragonite growth in mineral rich environments, contributing to both authenticity and visual richness.

The base of the specimen is compact and stable, allowing the cluster to stand naturally while preserving the full radial expression of the crystal growth. There is no sense of artificial arrangement, only the organic result of geological processes acting in balance.

Aragonite from Spain is renowned for its ability to form complex radial and starburst aggregates, and this piece stands as a refined and powerful example of that phenomenon. It is a specimen that combines structural intensity, mineralogical clarity and strong aesthetic presence, making it equally compelling for collectors and display.

Specifications:
• Weight: 16.15 g
• Weight in carats: 80.75 ct
• Dimensions: 46 x 45 x 34 mm
• Origin: Estaribar Valley, Navarra, Spain
• Mineral species: Aragonite
• Formation: Natural crystal cluster
• Crystal habit: Bladed crystals in radial starburst formation
• Structure: Three dimensional radial aggregation from central nucleus
• Colour: Dark metallic grey to black
• Transparency: Opaque
• Lustre: Sub metallic to vitreous
• Matrix: Natural base supporting radial growth
• Treatment: None
• Condition: Natural, intact specimen

Notable Points:
• Striking radial starburst formation
A dense and highly expressive arrangement of aragonite blades radiating from a central core
• Strong three dimensional structure
Crystals project in all directions creating a near spherical visual impact
• Bladed crystal habit
Typical acicular to bladed aragonite crystals with sharp and elongated morphology
• Central nucleus integration
All crystals originate from a compact and coherent growth point
• Explosive visual character
The formation evokes a frozen moment of expansion or energetic release
• Multidirectional growth
No dominant axis, enhancing visual complexity and balance
• Rich surface texture
Fine micro crystallisation adds depth and detail across the specimen
• Dynamic light response
Reflective surfaces and shadow interplay create strong visual contrast
• Dark metallic tonality
A less common presentation for aragonite, adding uniqueness and visual strength
• Stable natural matrix
Provides structural support without interfering with the radial composition
• Recognised Spanish locality
Spanish aragonite is well known for forming complex radial and starburst aggregates
• Museum grade presence
A specimen that combines rarity of form with strong display impact

Collector’s Interest:
This specimen represents a high level expression of radial crystal growth, where structure becomes the dominant visual language. The balance between order and apparent chaos is what defines its appeal. Each blade contributes to a unified composition that feels intentional, almost architectural, rather than incidental, a characteristic particularly sought after in fine aragonite specimens.

Collectors are drawn to pieces that communicate formation clearly, and here the narrative is immediate. A central point of origin, followed by multidirectional expansion, preserved with clarity and intensity. The result is a specimen that holds both aesthetic power and geological coherence, making it highly desirable for advanced collections, especially within high grade radial aragonite aggregates.

Lapidary Potential:
This specimen is not suitable for cutting. Any intervention would destroy the radial architecture, the relationship between the blades and the central nucleus, and the very identity that defines this aragonite formation.

Its value lies entirely in preservation, where its form, structure and visual impact remain complete and untouched.

——————-

Shipping and Handling:
All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post.
• Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki
• Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post.
• A tracking number is always provided

Photography and transparency:
All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible.
No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied.
The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal.
The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions.

Identification and ethics:
All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin.
Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature.

Customs and import taxes:
Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder.
These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities.

Guarantee and resolution:
Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system.
Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified.

Appreciation and commitment:
We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest.
Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels.

With gratitude,
GemPulse Minerals

Esteribar Valley, Navarro, Spain

“The Death Star”, Aragonite Specimen • 80.75 ct • Unique Radial Bladed Crystals - Height: 46 mm - Width: 45 mm- 16.15 g - (1)

Comic Books

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Closing date

today

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tomorrow

18 August

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22 August

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Location

The Netherlands

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Brand

Warner Bros.

Object

Comic book

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Original comic artwork 

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Drawing

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Ex libris

Original 1st print poster

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Country of origin

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Material

Resin

Celluloid

Condition

Very good

Near mint

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A (excellent - mint condition)

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Extras

Certificate

unboxed

in undamaged open original Box

Slipcase

Limited & numbered edition

in undamaged sealed original box

with original box

Period

2020+

2010-2020

1980-1990

2000-2010

1990s

Subject

Erotica

Illustrated

Portrait

Cityscape

Pop Culture

Nude

Graphic design

Style

Contemporary

Surrealism

Technique

Offset print

Felt-tip pen

Giclée

Pencil drawing

Silkscreen

Signature

Signed

Plate signed

Binding

Stapled

Softcover

Hardcover

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Loose page

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Edition

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Language

French

English

Dutch

Italian

German

Japanese

Portuguese

Spanish

Danish

Colour

White

Blue

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Scale

Series

Suske en Wiske

Topolino

The Amazing Spider-Man

Uomo Ragno

Spider-Man

Star Wars

De Rode Ridder

Batman

Fantastic Four

Asterix

Wolverine

Blake & Mortimer

Bommel en Tom Poes

De Familie Snoek

Spirou et Fantasio

Natacha

Johan en Pirrewiet

Amazing Spider-Man

Hellblazer

Iron Man

Web of Spider-Man

Blueberry

Lucky Luke

Piet Pienter en Bert Bibber

Grade

Grade company

CBCS

After 2000

1900-2000

Sold by

Owner or reseller

Gallery

Direct from the artist

Comics type

Comic Books

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“The Death Star”, Aragonite Specimen • 80.75 ct • Unique Radial Bladed Crystals - Height: 46 mm - Width: 45 mm- 16.15 g - (1)

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