An extraordinary Madeiran citrine with a crystalline, fiery orange interior that sparkles. A monumental pair of geode cathedrals, towering. - Height: 1740 mm - Width: 380 mm- 359000 g - (2)

04
days
18
hours
39
minutes
35
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Georgia Foteinou
Expert
Selected by Georgia Foteinou

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

Estimate  € 38,000 - € 42,000
NL
€1

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Description from the seller

The Lava Chimney — This imposing pair of geodes, together forming a natural sculpture of exceptional visual impact, represents a magnificent example of Citrine Quartz from Brazil. Their slender shape and symmetric arrangement evoke the image of an ancient portal or a “lava chimney,” the name by which similar specimens are known. With a height reaching 174 cm, these two elements, cut from a single large volcanic geode, stand as monumental witnesses to the geological power of our planet. Direct observation of the lot reveals a material and color contrast of great charm. The outer surface consists of the original basalt matrix, a dark, porous volcanic rock that protected the internal cavity. Proceeding inward, one encounters a layer of white to pale calcite, which serves as a transition toward the heart of the geode. The cavity is entirely lined with a dense druse of Citrine Quartz crystals, whose intense coloration falls within the prestigious “Madeira” classification, a warm and deep orange-amber tone. The crystals, of varying sizes but evenly distributed, possess excellent brightness and well-defined terminations that catch and reflect light, creating a sparkling effect. On the crystalline surface, there are also some small calcite rosettes, adding another point of mineralogical interest. The genesis of these magnificent formations dates back millions of years, during intense volcanic events. Gas bubbles trapped in cooling lava created spherical or elongated cavities within the basalt rock. Over geological eras, silica-rich hydrothermal waters filtered through the porous rock, slowly depositing mineral layers inside these “bubbles.” The first layer is usually agate or chalcedony, followed by the growth of quartz crystals toward the center of the cavity. Originally, these crystals were probably Amethyst Quartz, which then underwent a heating process. For specimens with this Madeira-quality and color, it is typically a controlled heat treatment, a stable and universally accepted practice in the industry that transforms the violet color of amethyst into the warm orange of citrine. Beyond its evident mineralogical interest, this lot qualifies as a natural monument-scale work of art. Its size and spectacular aesthetics make it a piece of absolute prestige, ideal as a visual focal point in a luxury hall, an art gallery, a professional studio, or a high-profile private residence. The geode pair can be displayed side by side to recreate the unity of the original geode, or separated to define a space with a symmetrical and powerful presence. It is a piece that beautifully dialogues with contemporary architecture and embodies the essence of modern Wunderkammern, where the wonder of nature meets design. In short, this Madeira Citrine pair is much more than a simple collectible specimen. It is a fragment of Earth's history, a petrified geological story that unites the raw power of volcanic rock with the delicate perfection of crystal. Their imposing verticality and the chromatic fire of their interior make it a natural installation capable of transforming any environment, offering a visual experience of rare power and elegance. Technical details Name: Citrine Quartz (geode pair) Origin: Brazil Maximum dimensions (single highest piece): 1740 x 380 x 360 mm Dimensions of piece 1: 1650 x 345 x 350 mm Dimensions of piece 2: 1740 x 380 x 360 mm Total weight: 359 kg Treatments: Color achieved through thermal treatment, a common and stable practice. Reference: WER-791 CTG-73

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

The Lava Chimney — This imposing pair of geodes, together forming a natural sculpture of exceptional visual impact, represents a magnificent example of Citrine Quartz from Brazil. Their slender shape and symmetric arrangement evoke the image of an ancient portal or a “lava chimney,” the name by which similar specimens are known. With a height reaching 174 cm, these two elements, cut from a single large volcanic geode, stand as monumental witnesses to the geological power of our planet. Direct observation of the lot reveals a material and color contrast of great charm. The outer surface consists of the original basalt matrix, a dark, porous volcanic rock that protected the internal cavity. Proceeding inward, one encounters a layer of white to pale calcite, which serves as a transition toward the heart of the geode. The cavity is entirely lined with a dense druse of Citrine Quartz crystals, whose intense coloration falls within the prestigious “Madeira” classification, a warm and deep orange-amber tone. The crystals, of varying sizes but evenly distributed, possess excellent brightness and well-defined terminations that catch and reflect light, creating a sparkling effect. On the crystalline surface, there are also some small calcite rosettes, adding another point of mineralogical interest. The genesis of these magnificent formations dates back millions of years, during intense volcanic events. Gas bubbles trapped in cooling lava created spherical or elongated cavities within the basalt rock. Over geological eras, silica-rich hydrothermal waters filtered through the porous rock, slowly depositing mineral layers inside these “bubbles.” The first layer is usually agate or chalcedony, followed by the growth of quartz crystals toward the center of the cavity. Originally, these crystals were probably Amethyst Quartz, which then underwent a heating process. For specimens with this Madeira-quality and color, it is typically a controlled heat treatment, a stable and universally accepted practice in the industry that transforms the violet color of amethyst into the warm orange of citrine. Beyond its evident mineralogical interest, this lot qualifies as a natural monument-scale work of art. Its size and spectacular aesthetics make it a piece of absolute prestige, ideal as a visual focal point in a luxury hall, an art gallery, a professional studio, or a high-profile private residence. The geode pair can be displayed side by side to recreate the unity of the original geode, or separated to define a space with a symmetrical and powerful presence. It is a piece that beautifully dialogues with contemporary architecture and embodies the essence of modern Wunderkammern, where the wonder of nature meets design. In short, this Madeira Citrine pair is much more than a simple collectible specimen. It is a fragment of Earth's history, a petrified geological story that unites the raw power of volcanic rock with the delicate perfection of crystal. Their imposing verticality and the chromatic fire of their interior make it a natural installation capable of transforming any environment, offering a visual experience of rare power and elegance. Technical details Name: Citrine Quartz (geode pair) Origin: Brazil Maximum dimensions (single highest piece): 1740 x 380 x 360 mm Dimensions of piece 1: 1650 x 345 x 350 mm Dimensions of piece 2: 1740 x 380 x 360 mm Total weight: 359 kg Treatments: Color achieved through thermal treatment, a common and stable practice. Reference: WER-791 CTG-73

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
2
Main mineral
An extraordinary Madeiran citrine with a crystalline, fiery orange interior that sparkles.
Mineral form
A monumental pair of geode cathedrals, towering.
Supplement
Pair of monumental citrine geode cathedrals.
Weight
359000 g
Country of origin
Brazil
Height
1740 mm
Width
380 mm
Depth
360 mm
ItalyVerified
14241
Objects sold
98.4%
protop

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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