Exquisite Malachite with Captivating Botryoidal Patterns - Highly Polished Freeform Specimen - Height: 130 mm - Width: 110 mm- 992 g - (1)
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Selected by Georgia Foteinou
Holds BSc in geology and post-graduate qualifications in geochemistry.
Estimate € 160 - € 200
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Malachite, a highly polished freeform specimen from the Congo, weighing 992 g with botryoidal green banding.
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Description from the seller
Spectacular display of emerald-green concentric bands
This polished malachite specimen from the Congo is a true natural sculpture that captures the essence of geological beauty. With a free, sinuous form, the piece has been expertly polished to enhance its intricate internal structures and its silky luster. Malachite is a secondary copper mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, often in carbonate-rich environments, such as karst cavities, where carbonic-acid-rich water reacts with primary copper minerals. The surface reveals an explosion of botryoidal patterns, characterized by concentric bands alternating between shades of dark green, almost black, and lighter and more vibrant hues of emerald and mint. These hypnotic motifs, known as 'peacock eyes' or 'bull's-eye patterns', are the result of slow and steady mineral growth processes, where successive layers of mineral deposit in spheroidal conformations. The polishing emphasizes its three-dimensional depth, making every curve and line a nearly liquid landscape that shifts under light, revealing the geological history imprinted in its structure. In some spots, delicate chrysocolla inclusions emerge, adding a chromatic contrast with its blue and bluish hues, which harmonize with the intense green of malachite. The combination of these two mineral species further enriches the visual and mineralogical interest of the specimen. This specimen is not just a mineral, but a tangible testament to nature's slow and powerful work, a balance between pressure, copper-rich solutions, and water that has generated a work of art. Ideal for enriching a collection of fine minerals, as a decorative sculptural element in a refined setting, or as a fascinating piece to display in a Wunderkammer, this block of malachite tells the deep story of the Earth with the quiet eloquence of minerals, offering a focal point of undeniable aesthetic and scientific impact. Every irregularity, tiny fracture, or color variation is an integral part of the specimen's natural formation and certifies its authenticity and origin.
Seller's Story
The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements.
Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past".
All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google TranslateSpectacular display of emerald-green concentric bands
This polished malachite specimen from the Congo is a true natural sculpture that captures the essence of geological beauty. With a free, sinuous form, the piece has been expertly polished to enhance its intricate internal structures and its silky luster. Malachite is a secondary copper mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, often in carbonate-rich environments, such as karst cavities, where carbonic-acid-rich water reacts with primary copper minerals. The surface reveals an explosion of botryoidal patterns, characterized by concentric bands alternating between shades of dark green, almost black, and lighter and more vibrant hues of emerald and mint. These hypnotic motifs, known as 'peacock eyes' or 'bull's-eye patterns', are the result of slow and steady mineral growth processes, where successive layers of mineral deposit in spheroidal conformations. The polishing emphasizes its three-dimensional depth, making every curve and line a nearly liquid landscape that shifts under light, revealing the geological history imprinted in its structure. In some spots, delicate chrysocolla inclusions emerge, adding a chromatic contrast with its blue and bluish hues, which harmonize with the intense green of malachite. The combination of these two mineral species further enriches the visual and mineralogical interest of the specimen. This specimen is not just a mineral, but a tangible testament to nature's slow and powerful work, a balance between pressure, copper-rich solutions, and water that has generated a work of art. Ideal for enriching a collection of fine minerals, as a decorative sculptural element in a refined setting, or as a fascinating piece to display in a Wunderkammer, this block of malachite tells the deep story of the Earth with the quiet eloquence of minerals, offering a focal point of undeniable aesthetic and scientific impact. Every irregularity, tiny fracture, or color variation is an integral part of the specimen's natural formation and certifies its authenticity and origin.
Seller's Story
The Mineral Art Gallery offers minerals, fossils, shells and natural elements.
Born in Italy in 2017, today she collaborates with international galleries and collectors, she is a direct importer of large minerals and naturalistic collectible elements; deals with the processing to insert them inside the living space. A section of the gallery was dedicated to the Wunderkammer, "chamber of wonders or cabinet of curiosities" in which Mirabilia elements are presented: naturalia and italiania, a union between "the present is the past".
All lots are shipped via DHL Express and Fercam couriers, with insured parcel and tracking.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of objects
1
Main mineral
Exquisite Malachite with Captivating Botryoidal Patterns -
Mineral form
Highly Polished Freeform Specimen
Supplement
Magnificent Polished Congo Malachite Freeform
Weight
992 g
Country of origin
Congo
Height
130 mm
Width
110 mm
Depth
60 mm
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It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.
It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.
