Polished sphere of vivid green malachite with fascinating botryoidal orbs. Complex 'Peacock's Eye' spheres and green velvet layers that coil into vortices - Height: 68 mm - Width: 68 mm- 591 g - (1)

04
days
17
hours
09
minutes
38
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Georgia Foteinou
Expert
Selected by Georgia Foteinou

Holds BSc in geology and post-graduate qualifications in geochemistry.

Estimate  € 270 - € 300
No bids placed

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Description from the seller

This magnificent sphere has been expertly sculpted from a block of high-quality Malachite, sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the world's most renowned sources for this mineral. The specimen presents a fascinating dialogue between the geometric perfection of form and the intricate beauty of the internal patterns, transforming this object into a true compendium of geological history. The surface, mirror-polished, reveals a microcosm of shapes and colors. Sections unfold that display the mineral’s classic botroidal structure, revealing concentric bands that fade from brilliant emerald green to forest green, down to nearly black tones. These areas alternate with hypnotic agglomerates of “peacock’s eyes,” concentric circles that create a texture almost three-dimensional. In other areas, the cut intersects the concretions in such a way as to reveal motifs resembling ferns or velvet fabrics, a visual testimony to the radial and fibrous growth of the crystals. The impeccable polish enhances the silky luster of Malachite, giving the sphere extraordinary depth and vitality. Malachite is a hydrated copper carbonate that forms in oxidation zones of copper deposits. Its distinctive botryoidal or mammillated growth results from the slow deposition of thin mineral layers from aqueous solutions. Each band of color we observe represents a variation in the chemical-physical conditions of the environment during an extremely long crystallization process. The spherical working allows one to traverse countless growth layers from every angle, offering a unique three-dimensional view of the internal structure, almost like a small green planet that guards its own history. As a collectible piece and a decorative object, this Malachite sphere stands out for its quality and aesthetic impact. It is an ideal element to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, or a library, serving as a focal point that stimulates curiosity and conversation. Its substantial weight and the richness of the internal details make it a powerful decorative element, capable of harmoniously integrating into both classical and modern contexts. Its changing surface, which shifts with every change of light and angle, provides a continuous contemplative experience, elevating a mineral to a work of natural art. The artisanal workmanship of this piece not only gave life to a geometrically perfect form but also managed to preserve and enhance the essence of the rough mineral. Any fine lines or micro-cavities visible on the surface should not be considered defects but intrinsic features of the Malachite’s crystal structure, testaments to the piece’s authenticity and natural history. The object is entirely natural, subjected only to 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

This magnificent sphere has been expertly sculpted from a block of high-quality Malachite, sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the world's most renowned sources for this mineral. The specimen presents a fascinating dialogue between the geometric perfection of form and the intricate beauty of the internal patterns, transforming this object into a true compendium of geological history. The surface, mirror-polished, reveals a microcosm of shapes and colors. Sections unfold that display the mineral’s classic botroidal structure, revealing concentric bands that fade from brilliant emerald green to forest green, down to nearly black tones. These areas alternate with hypnotic agglomerates of “peacock’s eyes,” concentric circles that create a texture almost three-dimensional. In other areas, the cut intersects the concretions in such a way as to reveal motifs resembling ferns or velvet fabrics, a visual testimony to the radial and fibrous growth of the crystals. The impeccable polish enhances the silky luster of Malachite, giving the sphere extraordinary depth and vitality. Malachite is a hydrated copper carbonate that forms in oxidation zones of copper deposits. Its distinctive botryoidal or mammillated growth results from the slow deposition of thin mineral layers from aqueous solutions. Each band of color we observe represents a variation in the chemical-physical conditions of the environment during an extremely long crystallization process. The spherical working allows one to traverse countless growth layers from every angle, offering a unique three-dimensional view of the internal structure, almost like a small green planet that guards its own history. As a collectible piece and a decorative object, this Malachite sphere stands out for its quality and aesthetic impact. It is an ideal element to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, or a library, serving as a focal point that stimulates curiosity and conversation. Its substantial weight and the richness of the internal details make it a powerful decorative element, capable of harmoniously integrating into both classical and modern contexts. Its changing surface, which shifts with every change of light and angle, provides a continuous contemplative experience, elevating a mineral to a work of natural art. The artisanal workmanship of this piece not only gave life to a geometrically perfect form but also managed to preserve and enhance the essence of the rough mineral. Any fine lines or micro-cavities visible on the surface should not be considered defects but intrinsic features of the Malachite’s crystal structure, testaments to the piece’s authenticity and natural history. The object is entirely natural, subjected only to 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
Polished sphere of vivid green malachite with fascinating botryoidal orbs.
Mineral form
Complex 'Peacock's Eye' spheres and green velvet layers that coil into vortices
Supplement
High-quality Congolese malachite with 'Peacock's Eye'.
Weight
591 g
Country of origin
DR Congo
Height
68 mm
Width
68 mm
Depth
68 mm
ItalyVerified
14214
Objects sold
98.42%
protop

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