A vivid canary-yellow crystalline sulfur sample. Aesthetic sulfur crystals, radiant druse. - Height: 249 mm - Width: 111 mm- 1396 g - (1)

03
days
13
hours
24
minutes
47
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Sullivan Halipré
Expert
Estimate  € 400 - € 450
No bids placed

Catawiki Buyer Protection

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

Trustpilot 4.4 | 143216 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

A single specimen of canary-yellow crystalline sulfur with an aesthetically pleasing druse radiating crystal habit, mounted on a dark wood and brass display base for vertical viewing, weighing 1396 g and measuring 249 × 111 × 70 mm, originating from El Desierto, San Pablo de Napa, Potosí, Bolivia.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Elegant display on a wooden and brass artistic base. — This specimen of crystallized sulfur represents an exceptional manifestation of the elemental mineral, formed under geological conditions that favored the development of well-defined crystals. Its genesis is typically associated with volcanic deposits or evaporitic sedimentary deposits, where hydrothermal activity or the decomposition of metallic sulfides released sulfur in gaseous form, which then sublimed or crystallized. The visual analysis reveals a vibrant canary yellow color, uniform and saturated, indicating a high purity of the mineral. The surface is entirely coated by a dense druse of microcrystals of sulfur, which exhibit a vitreous to resinous luster, giving the entire specimen considerable brilliance. The transparency ranges from translucent to opaque depending on crystal thickness, with minor inclusions of the rock matrix, probably remnants of the formation substrate, adding natural contrast without detracting from the overall aesthetics. The provenance of this magnificent specimen is the renowned El Desierto Mine, located in the San Pablo de Napa region, Daniel Campos district, Potosí province, Bolivia. This locality is universally recognized for producing sulfur of exceptional quality and purity, with crystals often displaying the vivid color nuances and crystal morphologies observed here. Bolivia's geological context, with its intense volcanic and tectonic activity, provided the ideal environment for the formation of these primary sulfur deposits. From an aesthetic standpoint, the piece stands out for its irregular yet well-balanced shape, a slab of pure sulfur that maximizes the exposure of the crystallized surface. The arrangement of the crystals appears homogeneous, creating a visual effect of a cohesive and luminous crystal mass. The almost complete absence of non-mineral matrix enhances its intrinsic purity and makes it a natural work of art. The condition is excellent, with no significant damage or surface abrasions that could compromise the integrity of the crystals. The specimen is firmly mounted on a purpose-made dark wood artistic base with a brass support, allowing vertical display and enhancing the three-dimensional structure, enabling a 360-degree view and ensuring display stability. This specimen represents a prestigious acquisition for any mineral collection, standing out for its well-documented provenance from a classic locality, its intense coloration, excellent crystal formation, and considerable size. Specimens of this quality from El Desierto are increasingly sought after and regarded as benchmarks for sulfur of Bolivian origin, offering an opportunity to enrich a collection with a piece of notable educational and aesthetic value."

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

Elegant display on a wooden and brass artistic base. — This specimen of crystallized sulfur represents an exceptional manifestation of the elemental mineral, formed under geological conditions that favored the development of well-defined crystals. Its genesis is typically associated with volcanic deposits or evaporitic sedimentary deposits, where hydrothermal activity or the decomposition of metallic sulfides released sulfur in gaseous form, which then sublimed or crystallized. The visual analysis reveals a vibrant canary yellow color, uniform and saturated, indicating a high purity of the mineral. The surface is entirely coated by a dense druse of microcrystals of sulfur, which exhibit a vitreous to resinous luster, giving the entire specimen considerable brilliance. The transparency ranges from translucent to opaque depending on crystal thickness, with minor inclusions of the rock matrix, probably remnants of the formation substrate, adding natural contrast without detracting from the overall aesthetics. The provenance of this magnificent specimen is the renowned El Desierto Mine, located in the San Pablo de Napa region, Daniel Campos district, Potosí province, Bolivia. This locality is universally recognized for producing sulfur of exceptional quality and purity, with crystals often displaying the vivid color nuances and crystal morphologies observed here. Bolivia's geological context, with its intense volcanic and tectonic activity, provided the ideal environment for the formation of these primary sulfur deposits. From an aesthetic standpoint, the piece stands out for its irregular yet well-balanced shape, a slab of pure sulfur that maximizes the exposure of the crystallized surface. The arrangement of the crystals appears homogeneous, creating a visual effect of a cohesive and luminous crystal mass. The almost complete absence of non-mineral matrix enhances its intrinsic purity and makes it a natural work of art. The condition is excellent, with no significant damage or surface abrasions that could compromise the integrity of the crystals. The specimen is firmly mounted on a purpose-made dark wood artistic base with a brass support, allowing vertical display and enhancing the three-dimensional structure, enabling a 360-degree view and ensuring display stability. This specimen represents a prestigious acquisition for any mineral collection, standing out for its well-documented provenance from a classic locality, its intense coloration, excellent crystal formation, and considerable size. Specimens of this quality from El Desierto are increasingly sought after and regarded as benchmarks for sulfur of Bolivian origin, offering an opportunity to enrich a collection with a piece of notable educational and aesthetic value."

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
A vivid canary-yellow crystalline sulfur sample.
Mineral form
Aesthetic sulfur crystals, radiant druse.
Supplement
Excellent sulfur from El Desierto
Weight
1396 g
Origin (region/city)
Potosí
Country of origin
Bolivia
Height
249 mm
Width
111 mm
Depth
70 mm
ItalyVerified
14231
Objects sold
98.4%
protop

Similar objects

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

For you in

Natural History & Taxidermy

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