Exquisite Polished Orca Agate Sphere - Striking Contrasting Earth Tones and Cryptocrystalline Texture - Height: 108 mm - Width: 108 mm- 1872 g - (1)

04
days
16
hours
41
minutes
08
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Antonio Rapisarda
Expert
Selected by Antonio Rapisarda

Holds a master’s in chemistry with 25 years’ experience in minerals consulting.

Estimate  € 190 - € 210
No bids placed

Catawiki Buyer Protection

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

Trustpilot 4.4 | 143966 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

A polished Agata Orca sphere from Madagascar, 108 mm in diameter and weighing 1872 g, displaying black, ochre and ivory banding with exposed quartz geode inclusions and a mirror-like finish.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Spectacular natural zonation in shades of black, ochre, and ivory on a smooth surface — This magnificent sphere of Agate Orca represents an excellent example of macrocrystalline chalcedony, a variety of microcrystalline quartz. Its geological formation is typical of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, where silica slowly deposited in cavities, creating the distinctive concentric bands and visible geode structures. Agate Orca, in particular, is known for its unique formations and resilience, derived from the compactness of its fibrous structure. The specimen stands out for its deeply contrasting color palette. The areas of deep black and blue-gray blend harmoniously with sections of vibrant ochre and ivory, speckled with lighter shades and inclusions that enrich its surface. The impeccable polishing enhances the material’s natural luster, making intricate details and the complex internal stratification visible. Some small geode cavities remain open, lined with microcrystals of brilliant quartz, adding a touch of geological and visual interest, catching and reflecting light. The origin of this Agate Orca is Madagascar, an island globally renowned for its abundance of high-quality minerals and for the diversity of its geological formations. Madagascar agate deposits are particularly prized for their vivid colors and unique inclusions, making each piece a natural work of art and a testimony to the millennia-long geological processes that shaped the Earth’s crust. Aesthetically, this sphere is a piece with great visual impact. Its spherical shape, skillfully crafted, allows a full view of its unique patterns from every angle. The marked color transitions, reminiscent of orca coats, from which it takes its name, make it an object of decoration and collection of rare beauty, capable of capturing attention in any environment. The condition is excellent, with a mirror polish that enhances its brightness and color depth. The sphere is free from significant damage or post-formative alterations that would compromise its integrity or aesthetic value. Its solidity and flawless finish make it ideal for display, both as a centerpiece in a collection and as a refined ornamental piece. For a discerning collector, this Agate Orca sphere is not just a finely worked mineral, but a remarkable example of Malagasy geodiversity. The combination of precise mineral identification, certified provenance, and superior aesthetic quality places it as a museum specimen, sought for its rarity and the complexity of its natural formations. It is an investment in the natural heritage of our planet.

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

Spectacular natural zonation in shades of black, ochre, and ivory on a smooth surface — This magnificent sphere of Agate Orca represents an excellent example of macrocrystalline chalcedony, a variety of microcrystalline quartz. Its geological formation is typical of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, where silica slowly deposited in cavities, creating the distinctive concentric bands and visible geode structures. Agate Orca, in particular, is known for its unique formations and resilience, derived from the compactness of its fibrous structure. The specimen stands out for its deeply contrasting color palette. The areas of deep black and blue-gray blend harmoniously with sections of vibrant ochre and ivory, speckled with lighter shades and inclusions that enrich its surface. The impeccable polishing enhances the material’s natural luster, making intricate details and the complex internal stratification visible. Some small geode cavities remain open, lined with microcrystals of brilliant quartz, adding a touch of geological and visual interest, catching and reflecting light. The origin of this Agate Orca is Madagascar, an island globally renowned for its abundance of high-quality minerals and for the diversity of its geological formations. Madagascar agate deposits are particularly prized for their vivid colors and unique inclusions, making each piece a natural work of art and a testimony to the millennia-long geological processes that shaped the Earth’s crust. Aesthetically, this sphere is a piece with great visual impact. Its spherical shape, skillfully crafted, allows a full view of its unique patterns from every angle. The marked color transitions, reminiscent of orca coats, from which it takes its name, make it an object of decoration and collection of rare beauty, capable of capturing attention in any environment. The condition is excellent, with a mirror polish that enhances its brightness and color depth. The sphere is free from significant damage or post-formative alterations that would compromise its integrity or aesthetic value. Its solidity and flawless finish make it ideal for display, both as a centerpiece in a collection and as a refined ornamental piece. For a discerning collector, this Agate Orca sphere is not just a finely worked mineral, but a remarkable example of Malagasy geodiversity. The combination of precise mineral identification, certified provenance, and superior aesthetic quality places it as a museum specimen, sought for its rarity and the complexity of its natural formations. It is an investment in the natural heritage of our planet.

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
Exquisite Polished Orca Agate Sphere -
Mineral form
Striking Contrasting Earth Tones and Cryptocrystalline Texture
Supplement
Stunning Black and Ocher Orca Agate Sphere with Crystal Vugs
Weight
1872 g
Country of origin
Madagascar
Height
108 mm
Width
108 mm
Depth
108 mm
ItalyVerified
14269
Objects sold
98.36%
protop

Disclaimer

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

Similar objects

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

For you in

Minerals & Meteorites

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