Monumental Labradorite with Intense Electric Blue Labradorescence - Impressive Large Freeform - Height: 420 mm - Width: 330 mm- 28600 g - (1)

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Georgia Foteinou
Expert
Selected by Georgia Foteinou

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

Estimate  € 5,300 - € 5,900
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Monumental Labradorite with intense electric blue labradorescence, a free-form specimen from Madagascar, weighing 28.6 kg and measuring 420 × 330 × 120 mm.

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Description from the seller

Masterpiece of Nature — We present a monumentally sized Labradorite specimen, hailing from Madagascar, an island noted for its deposits of exceptional quality. With an imposing weight of 28.6 kg and a freeform shape carved by nature and refined by man, this piece stands as a true geological sculpture. Its most extraordinary feature is the broad frontal surface, fully mirror-polished to reveal in all its magnificence the optical phenomenon of labradorescence, a play of changing colors evoking the aurora borealis captured in the stone. The visual effect of this specimen is simply hypnotic. On the vast dark canvas of the mineral, flashes of deep electric blue and vibrant cyan awaken, move, and vary in intensity depending on the angle of light incidence and the observer’s point of view. This phenomenon, known as the Schiller effect, is caused by the interference of light on ultra-thin sheets of different plagioclase feldspars that compose the rock. In this sample, the dominant color is a spectacular metallic blue, speckled with darker inclusions and with areas where thin golden and bronze reflections emerge, adding depth and complexity to the overall view. Upon close inspection, one can appreciate the mineral’s intricate internal tapestry. A dense network of lines and natural cleavage planes traverses the structure, bearing witness to its geological history. These are not imperfections, but intrinsic features of Labradorite that contribute to diffracting light, generating the characteristic iridescence. The craftsman’s mastery in working this rough block lies in having identified and oriented the cut and polish to maximize exposure of the color-rich surface, creating a fascinating contrast between the smooth facade and the edges left deliberately rougher, preserving a more natural and tactile appearance. Labradorite is a tectosilicate mineral from the feldspar group, formed within basic igneous rocks such as gabbro and anorthosite. Large specimens with such high-quality labradorescence are rare and require careful selection of rough material. This piece is not only a valuable mineral sample but also a natural work of art, whose visual impact has been enhanced by a skilled, respectful intervention with respect to the raw material. Thanks to its imposing size and dynamic beauty, this specimen transcends the concept of a simple mineral for collection to become an element of absolute prestige in furnishings. It is an ideal piece to become the centerpiece of a design space, an executive study, an art gallery, or a luxury hall. Its presence is capable of focusing attention and stimulating conversation, representing a tangible bridge between the Earth's primordial power and the most refined contemporary aesthetics. A piece worthy of a modern Wunderkammer, destined for those who seek the uniqueness and wonder of nature.

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

Masterpiece of Nature — We present a monumentally sized Labradorite specimen, hailing from Madagascar, an island noted for its deposits of exceptional quality. With an imposing weight of 28.6 kg and a freeform shape carved by nature and refined by man, this piece stands as a true geological sculpture. Its most extraordinary feature is the broad frontal surface, fully mirror-polished to reveal in all its magnificence the optical phenomenon of labradorescence, a play of changing colors evoking the aurora borealis captured in the stone. The visual effect of this specimen is simply hypnotic. On the vast dark canvas of the mineral, flashes of deep electric blue and vibrant cyan awaken, move, and vary in intensity depending on the angle of light incidence and the observer’s point of view. This phenomenon, known as the Schiller effect, is caused by the interference of light on ultra-thin sheets of different plagioclase feldspars that compose the rock. In this sample, the dominant color is a spectacular metallic blue, speckled with darker inclusions and with areas where thin golden and bronze reflections emerge, adding depth and complexity to the overall view. Upon close inspection, one can appreciate the mineral’s intricate internal tapestry. A dense network of lines and natural cleavage planes traverses the structure, bearing witness to its geological history. These are not imperfections, but intrinsic features of Labradorite that contribute to diffracting light, generating the characteristic iridescence. The craftsman’s mastery in working this rough block lies in having identified and oriented the cut and polish to maximize exposure of the color-rich surface, creating a fascinating contrast between the smooth facade and the edges left deliberately rougher, preserving a more natural and tactile appearance. Labradorite is a tectosilicate mineral from the feldspar group, formed within basic igneous rocks such as gabbro and anorthosite. Large specimens with such high-quality labradorescence are rare and require careful selection of rough material. This piece is not only a valuable mineral sample but also a natural work of art, whose visual impact has been enhanced by a skilled, respectful intervention with respect to the raw material. Thanks to its imposing size and dynamic beauty, this specimen transcends the concept of a simple mineral for collection to become an element of absolute prestige in furnishings. It is an ideal piece to become the centerpiece of a design space, an executive study, an art gallery, or a luxury hall. Its presence is capable of focusing attention and stimulating conversation, representing a tangible bridge between the Earth's primordial power and the most refined contemporary aesthetics. A piece worthy of a modern Wunderkammer, destined for those who seek the uniqueness and wonder of nature.

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
Monumental Labradorite with Intense Electric Blue Labradorescence -
Mineral form
Impressive Large Freeform
Supplement
Monumental 28.6 kg Display Piece with Full Electric-Blue Flash
Weight
28600 g
Country of origin
Madagascar
Height
420 mm
Width
330 mm
Depth
120 mm
ItalyVerified
14221
Objects sold
98.41%
protop

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