Graphic Black Tourmaline in Contrasting Quartz A stunning mosaic of black tourmaline in white quartz - Height: 80 mm - Width: 80 mm- 773 g - (1)

04
days
11
hours
04
minutes
58
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Antonio Rapisarda
Expert
Selected by Antonio Rapisarda

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

Estimate  € 200 - € 220
NL
€1

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 142947 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Graphic Black Tourmaline in Contrasting Quartz, an 80 mm diameter sphere composed of a mosaic of black tourmaline in white quartz from India, weighing 773 g.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Large Sphere of Graphic Tourmalinated Quartz — A sphere of considerable size is presented, expertly worked from a block of tourmalinated quartz sourced from India. This specimen stands out for its complex and fascinating internal texture, a geological microcosm enclosed in a perfect geometric form. The chromatic alternation between the absolute black of tourmaline and the light tones of quartz creates an immediate visual impact, transforming the object into a natural history piece with strong sculptural character. The surface, perfectly polished to a mirror finish, highlights the richness of the mineralogical details. The structure appears as an intricate natural breccia, where innumerable crystals of black tourmaline (schorl variety), with angular and fragmented outlines, are immersed and cemented in a quartz matrix. The latter ranges from translucent gray to almost opaque white, suggesting the possible presence of associated feldspar. The result is a dense and dynamic mosaic, a graphic pattern covering the entire sphere without interruption. On close inspection, delicate veins and orange-rust colored spots are also evident, probably due to iron oxidations, which add a touch of warmth to the dominant black-and-white contrast. The genesis of this mineral aggregation dates back to pegmatitic geological processes. Under high pressure and temperature, within ore veins rich in silica and boron, tourmaline and quartz crystallized simultaneously or in rapid succession. The “graphic” or “mosaic” texture bears witness to relatively rapid cooling that “froze” the crystals in this chaotic yet harmonious arrangement. Each black fragment is not a casual inclusion, but part of an interconnected system that tells the turbulent story of its formation deep within the Earth's crust. The sphere shaping allows appreciation of this three-dimensional structure from every angle, offering a complete view of its internal volume. Beyond its undeniable mineralogical interest, this sphere represents a superb collectible object and a piece of high refinement design. The spherical form, a symbol of completeness and perfection, beautifully dialogues with the natural irregularity of the internal pattern. It is an ideal piece to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, a library, or as a focal point in a minimalist environment, where its chromatic contrast and material complexity can be fully appreciated. More than a simply worked mineral, it is a natural sculpture inviting contemplation, a fragment of Earth's primordial chaos ordered by human hand. Technical details Name: Tourmalinated Quartz Sphere Classification: Mineral (Aggregates of tectosilicate and cyclosilicate) Provenance: India Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 80 mm Weight: 773 g Material: Quartz with Black Tourmaline inclusions (Schorl) Conditions: Natural specimen worked and polished into a sphere. Treatments: Exclusively mechanical cutting and polishing.

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

Large Sphere of Graphic Tourmalinated Quartz — A sphere of considerable size is presented, expertly worked from a block of tourmalinated quartz sourced from India. This specimen stands out for its complex and fascinating internal texture, a geological microcosm enclosed in a perfect geometric form. The chromatic alternation between the absolute black of tourmaline and the light tones of quartz creates an immediate visual impact, transforming the object into a natural history piece with strong sculptural character. The surface, perfectly polished to a mirror finish, highlights the richness of the mineralogical details. The structure appears as an intricate natural breccia, where innumerable crystals of black tourmaline (schorl variety), with angular and fragmented outlines, are immersed and cemented in a quartz matrix. The latter ranges from translucent gray to almost opaque white, suggesting the possible presence of associated feldspar. The result is a dense and dynamic mosaic, a graphic pattern covering the entire sphere without interruption. On close inspection, delicate veins and orange-rust colored spots are also evident, probably due to iron oxidations, which add a touch of warmth to the dominant black-and-white contrast. The genesis of this mineral aggregation dates back to pegmatitic geological processes. Under high pressure and temperature, within ore veins rich in silica and boron, tourmaline and quartz crystallized simultaneously or in rapid succession. The “graphic” or “mosaic” texture bears witness to relatively rapid cooling that “froze” the crystals in this chaotic yet harmonious arrangement. Each black fragment is not a casual inclusion, but part of an interconnected system that tells the turbulent story of its formation deep within the Earth's crust. The sphere shaping allows appreciation of this three-dimensional structure from every angle, offering a complete view of its internal volume. Beyond its undeniable mineralogical interest, this sphere represents a superb collectible object and a piece of high refinement design. The spherical form, a symbol of completeness and perfection, beautifully dialogues with the natural irregularity of the internal pattern. It is an ideal piece to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, a library, or as a focal point in a minimalist environment, where its chromatic contrast and material complexity can be fully appreciated. More than a simply worked mineral, it is a natural sculpture inviting contemplation, a fragment of Earth's primordial chaos ordered by human hand. Technical details Name: Tourmalinated Quartz Sphere Classification: Mineral (Aggregates of tectosilicate and cyclosilicate) Provenance: India Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 80 mm Weight: 773 g Material: Quartz with Black Tourmaline inclusions (Schorl) Conditions: Natural specimen worked and polished into a sphere. Treatments: Exclusively mechanical cutting and polishing.

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
Graphic Black Tourmaline in Contrasting Quartz
Mineral form
A stunning mosaic of black tourmaline in white quartz
Supplement
Black & White Mosaic Sphere
Weight
773 g
Country of origin
India
Height
80 mm
Width
80 mm
Depth
80 mm
ItalyVerified
14221
Objects sold
98.41%
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.

Similar objects

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​

For you in

Minerals & Meteorites

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​