Vibrant Unakite with Striking Pink Orthoclase and Green Epidote Inclusions - Large Polished Unakite Sphere from Madagascar - Height: 92 mm - Width: 92 mm- 1138 g - (1)

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Georgia Foteinou
Expert
Selected by Georgia Foteinou

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

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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A large polished Unakite sphere from Madagascar, weighing 1138 g with a 92 mm diameter.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Pink feldspar, green epidote, and quartz — There is a refined Unakite sphere, a metamorphic rock of notable aesthetic and geological interest, sourced from Madagascar. The specimen has been expertly cut and polished to obtain a perfect spherical form, one of the most appreciated natural history works in mineralogy because it allows admiring the complex weave of the rock from every angle, without interruptions. With a significant diameter and substantial weight, this object stands as a piece of natural history with striking visual impact. The sphere’s surface is a mosaic of colors and textures that tell its origin. Patches of intense salmon pink, due to the presence of orthoclase feldspar, alternate and blend with areas of bright moss green corresponding to epidote. These two main components are bound together by inclusions of translucent gray quartz, which add depth and complexity to the composition. The mirror polish enhances the brilliance of each mineral and creates play of light that follows the sphere’s curves, highlighting the veins and natural internal fractures that attest to the material’s authenticity and geological history. Unakite is the result of a fascinating geological process known as hydrothermal metamorphism. Originally, the rock was granite, composed mainly of feldspars and quartz. Through the infiltration of hot mineral-rich fluids, the plagioclase of the original granite was altered, transforming into epidote (green in color). Orthoclase (the pink feldspar) and quartz remained relatively stable, preserving their presence. This transformation creates the characteristic and unmistakable color association that makes Unakite so recognizable and sought after. This Unakite sphere is more than a simple mineral sample; it is a sculptural object that unites science and design. Its geometrically pure form contrasts beautifully with the organic randomness of the rock’s natural pattern. It is an ideal piece to enrich a mineral collection, a contemporary “Cabinet of Curiosities,” or as a high-end decorative element in a study, library, or design setting. Its size and weight give it a material presence and timeless elegance. In sum, this specimen represents an opportunity to possess a tangible fragment of the planet’s dynamic processes. The combination of its vivid colors, the perfection of its shape, and its intriguing geological history make it a fascinating piece capable of arousing curiosity and bringing a touch of natural beauty to any setting. The quality of craftsmanship and the intrinsic beauty of the material make it a lot of definite interest for collectors and design enthusiasts.

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

Pink feldspar, green epidote, and quartz — There is a refined Unakite sphere, a metamorphic rock of notable aesthetic and geological interest, sourced from Madagascar. The specimen has been expertly cut and polished to obtain a perfect spherical form, one of the most appreciated natural history works in mineralogy because it allows admiring the complex weave of the rock from every angle, without interruptions. With a significant diameter and substantial weight, this object stands as a piece of natural history with striking visual impact. The sphere’s surface is a mosaic of colors and textures that tell its origin. Patches of intense salmon pink, due to the presence of orthoclase feldspar, alternate and blend with areas of bright moss green corresponding to epidote. These two main components are bound together by inclusions of translucent gray quartz, which add depth and complexity to the composition. The mirror polish enhances the brilliance of each mineral and creates play of light that follows the sphere’s curves, highlighting the veins and natural internal fractures that attest to the material’s authenticity and geological history. Unakite is the result of a fascinating geological process known as hydrothermal metamorphism. Originally, the rock was granite, composed mainly of feldspars and quartz. Through the infiltration of hot mineral-rich fluids, the plagioclase of the original granite was altered, transforming into epidote (green in color). Orthoclase (the pink feldspar) and quartz remained relatively stable, preserving their presence. This transformation creates the characteristic and unmistakable color association that makes Unakite so recognizable and sought after. This Unakite sphere is more than a simple mineral sample; it is a sculptural object that unites science and design. Its geometrically pure form contrasts beautifully with the organic randomness of the rock’s natural pattern. It is an ideal piece to enrich a mineral collection, a contemporary “Cabinet of Curiosities,” or as a high-end decorative element in a study, library, or design setting. Its size and weight give it a material presence and timeless elegance. In sum, this specimen represents an opportunity to possess a tangible fragment of the planet’s dynamic processes. The combination of its vivid colors, the perfection of its shape, and its intriguing geological history make it a fascinating piece capable of arousing curiosity and bringing a touch of natural beauty to any setting. The quality of craftsmanship and the intrinsic beauty of the material make it a lot of definite interest for collectors and design enthusiasts.

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
Vibrant Unakite with Striking Pink Orthoclase and Green Epidote Inclusions -
Mineral form
Large Polished Unakite Sphere from Madagascar
Supplement
Large Polished Unakite Sphere from Madagascar
Weight
1138 g
Country of origin
Madagascar
Height
92 mm
Width
92 mm
Depth
92 mm
ItalyVerified
14235
Objects sold
98.4%
protop

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