Large Polished Quartz Breccia Obelisk A Sculpture Carved from a Natural Silicified Breccia Quartz - Height: 290 mm - Width: 110 mm- 3183 g - (1)

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Antonio Rapisarda
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Selected by Antonio Rapisarda

Holds a master’s in chemistry with 25 years’ experience in minerals consulting.

Estimate  € 750 - € 850
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A single sculpted obelisk carved from quartz silicified breccia from Brazil, named Grande obelisco in breccia di quarzo lucido, weighing 3183 g with dimensions 290 × 110 × 70 mm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

A magnificent monolith with ochre colors and geodes of crystals — An imposing obelisk carved from a single, massive block of silicified quartz breccia originating from Brazil. This specimen stands out for its remarkable dimensions and the incredible visual impact, making it a true natural sculpture. Its elongated shape and the mirror-polished surface highlight its complex geological structure, transforming it into a highly valued decorative and collectible piece. Careful observation of the surface reveals the nature of the material's "breccia": a fascinating mosaic of angular rock fragments (clasts) captured and cemented by a siliceous matrix. Clasts in warm tones of ochre, mustard yellow, and rust brown seem to float in a dark gray, almost black binder, creating a powerful and dynamic color contrast. Thin veining of white, milky quartz traverse the composition, adding further levels of detail and bearing witness to the complex fracturing and re-cementation processes. The workmanship has skillfully preserved some small natural cavities, or vugs, that open on the glossy surface like secret windows. Inside these pockets, one can admire the sparkling growth of druzy quartz micro-crystals, whose raw brilliance creates a suggestive material dialogue with the smooth, polished faces of the obelisk. These details are not imperfections, but precious testimonies of the mineral's formation process, deliberately left visible to enrich the specimen. This breccia tells a geological story of millions of years. It formed following a tectonic or hydrothermal event that shattered the preexisting rock. Subsequently, silica-rich fluids (SiO₂) percolated through these fractures, filling the voids and acting as a powerful natural cement that welded the fragments together. The different colorations are due to the presence of various iron oxides and hydroxides (such as goethite or hematite for the warm tones) and other mineral inclusions in the silica matrix. For its iconic shape, substantial dimensions, and extraordinary aesthetic geology, this obelisk qualifies as an object of high decorative and intellectual value. It is an ideal piece to enrich a library, a professional study, or a contemporary interior, where it can act as a focal point of conversation. At the same time, it represents a magnificent specimen for a Wunderkammer modern or for a natural history collection, embodying the power and creativity of Earth's processes in an elegant and sculptural form. Technical details Mineral: Silicified Quartz Breccia Type: Carved Obelisk Provenance: Brazil Dimensions: 290 x 110 x 70 mm Weight: 3183 g Conditions: Natural, worked and polished. Presence of geodes and natural cavities.

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 Translate

A magnificent monolith with ochre colors and geodes of crystals — An imposing obelisk carved from a single, massive block of silicified quartz breccia originating from Brazil. This specimen stands out for its remarkable dimensions and the incredible visual impact, making it a true natural sculpture. Its elongated shape and the mirror-polished surface highlight its complex geological structure, transforming it into a highly valued decorative and collectible piece. Careful observation of the surface reveals the nature of the material's "breccia": a fascinating mosaic of angular rock fragments (clasts) captured and cemented by a siliceous matrix. Clasts in warm tones of ochre, mustard yellow, and rust brown seem to float in a dark gray, almost black binder, creating a powerful and dynamic color contrast. Thin veining of white, milky quartz traverse the composition, adding further levels of detail and bearing witness to the complex fracturing and re-cementation processes. The workmanship has skillfully preserved some small natural cavities, or vugs, that open on the glossy surface like secret windows. Inside these pockets, one can admire the sparkling growth of druzy quartz micro-crystals, whose raw brilliance creates a suggestive material dialogue with the smooth, polished faces of the obelisk. These details are not imperfections, but precious testimonies of the mineral's formation process, deliberately left visible to enrich the specimen. This breccia tells a geological story of millions of years. It formed following a tectonic or hydrothermal event that shattered the preexisting rock. Subsequently, silica-rich fluids (SiO₂) percolated through these fractures, filling the voids and acting as a powerful natural cement that welded the fragments together. The different colorations are due to the presence of various iron oxides and hydroxides (such as goethite or hematite for the warm tones) and other mineral inclusions in the silica matrix. For its iconic shape, substantial dimensions, and extraordinary aesthetic geology, this obelisk qualifies as an object of high decorative and intellectual value. It is an ideal piece to enrich a library, a professional study, or a contemporary interior, where it can act as a focal point of conversation. At the same time, it represents a magnificent specimen for a Wunderkammer modern or for a natural history collection, embodying the power and creativity of Earth's processes in an elegant and sculptural form. Technical details Mineral: Silicified Quartz Breccia Type: Carved Obelisk Provenance: Brazil Dimensions: 290 x 110 x 70 mm Weight: 3183 g Conditions: Natural, worked and polished. Presence of geodes and natural cavities.

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 Translate

Details

Number of objects
1
Main mineral
Large Polished Quartz Breccia Obelisk
Mineral form
A Sculpture Carved from a Natural Silicified Breccia Quartz
Supplement
Rare Quartz Formation
Weight
3183 g
Country of origin
Brazil
Height
290 mm
Width
110 mm
Depth
70 mm
ItalyVerified
14183
Objects sold
98.42%
protop

Disclaimer

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.

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