Mexican onyx sphere in marble - Glossy sphere of Mexican onyx, green and reddish-brown. - Height: 120 mm - Width: 120 mm- 2422 g - (1)






Holds a master’s in chemistry with 25 years’ experience in minerals consulting.
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Description from the seller
Imposing Sphere in Mexican Onyx Finely Polished, WER-979 — This specimen consists of a splendid sphere made of Mexican onyx, a mineral that, despite its common name, is actually a variety of banded Calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). It forms in karst environments, where mineral-rich waters deposit successive layers of carbonate. Its compact microcrystalline structure and well-defined bands make it ideal for sculptural work and mirror polishing. Visual analysis of this sphere reveals a complex and fascinating polychromy. The predominant tones are pale green and aquamarine, interspersed with bands rich in iron oxides that confer accents of rust red, burnt orange, and brown. These color variations are the result of mineral inclusions, mainly serpentine and iron oxides, incorporated into the different calcite layers during its slow formation. Transparency is variable, with semi-translucent zones that allow delicate light diffusion through the bands. The origin of this material is Mexico, a region famous for its high-quality marble-onyx deposits. Here, karst geological formations allowed the deposition of calcite layers with mineral inclusions that determine the distinctive coloration. The age of formation may date back millions of years, testament to geological processes spanning geologic eras. The sphere working highlights the intrinsic beauty of the mineral in an exceptional way. The mirror polishing enhances not only the vibrant colors but also the depth and three-dimensionality of the bands, creating a hypnotic effect that invites close observation. Each cross-section of the bands reveals a unique pattern, making the sphere a piece of natural art. The condition of the specimen is excellent, free of fractures or significant abrasions, a testament to the care in workmanship and preservation. Structural integrity and surface finish help maintain its aesthetic and collecting value. The sphere is ready to be displayed on any stand that enhances its shape and colors.
Seller's Story
Imposing Sphere in Mexican Onyx Finely Polished, WER-979 — This specimen consists of a splendid sphere made of Mexican onyx, a mineral that, despite its common name, is actually a variety of banded Calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). It forms in karst environments, where mineral-rich waters deposit successive layers of carbonate. Its compact microcrystalline structure and well-defined bands make it ideal for sculptural work and mirror polishing. Visual analysis of this sphere reveals a complex and fascinating polychromy. The predominant tones are pale green and aquamarine, interspersed with bands rich in iron oxides that confer accents of rust red, burnt orange, and brown. These color variations are the result of mineral inclusions, mainly serpentine and iron oxides, incorporated into the different calcite layers during its slow formation. Transparency is variable, with semi-translucent zones that allow delicate light diffusion through the bands. The origin of this material is Mexico, a region famous for its high-quality marble-onyx deposits. Here, karst geological formations allowed the deposition of calcite layers with mineral inclusions that determine the distinctive coloration. The age of formation may date back millions of years, testament to geological processes spanning geologic eras. The sphere working highlights the intrinsic beauty of the mineral in an exceptional way. The mirror polishing enhances not only the vibrant colors but also the depth and three-dimensionality of the bands, creating a hypnotic effect that invites close observation. Each cross-section of the bands reveals a unique pattern, making the sphere a piece of natural art. The condition of the specimen is excellent, free of fractures or significant abrasions, a testament to the care in workmanship and preservation. Structural integrity and surface finish help maintain its aesthetic and collecting value. The sphere is ready to be displayed on any stand that enhances its shape and colors.
Seller's Story
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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.
