Collector's Grade Malachite & Chrysocolla Malachite with Chrysocolla - Height: 130 mm - Width: 73 mm- 437 g - (1)

01
day
22
hours
35
minutes
58
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Current bid
€ 11
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  € 250 - € 280
DE
€11

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This 437 g freeform sculpture of malachite and chrysocolla from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is mounted on a wooden and brass base and measures 130 × 73 × 50 mm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Decorative mineralogical specimen with wooden and brass base — This lot features a sculpture with striking visual impact, carved from a solid block of Malachite and Chrysocolla originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The specimen has been expertly smoothed and polished to reveal its complex internal structure and vibrant polychromy, then mounted on an elegant dark wood and satin-brass customized base, transforming it into a piece of natural art. The mineral’s organic, free-form shape evokes an abstract landscape, where shades of green and blue merge in a chromatic harmony of rare beauty. Upon close inspection, one is drawn to the glassy, reflective surface that accentuates every minute detail. Malachite manifests in its iconic tones of green, ranging from brilliant emerald shades to deeper, almost black hues, arranged in concentric and sinuous bands. These growth lines sketch the characteristic botryoidal patterns, reminiscent of “eyes” or waves, testifying to the slow, progressive deposition of the mineral. In this verdant tapestry, Chrysocolla inserts itself with its distinctive blue-green color, creating patches and veining of a deep blue that offers a spectacular chromatic contrast. The workmanship respected the natural morphology of the mineral mass, resulting in a sculptural and fluid form. In some areas of the surface, small depressions or natural cavities (vugs) can be observed where crystallization is rougher, adding an element of three-dimensionality and authenticity to the piece. These minute natural imperfections, visible in the detailed photographs, are not defects but testimonies to the geological history of the specimen, recounting an environment rich in copper wherein these two secondary minerals formed simultaneously. Geologically speaking, Malachite (a hydrated copper carbonate) and Chrysocolla (a hydrated copper silicate) are secondary minerals that originate in the oxidation zones of primary copper ore bodies. Their coexistence, as in this specimen, indicates a complex hydrothermal process in which copper-rich fluids, carbon dioxide, and silica interacted with the host rocks. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most celebrated localities in the world for high-quality Malachite, and this piece represents an excellent aesthetic and scientific synthesis. This item transcends its classification as a simple mineral to become a sophisticated design element and a collectible object. Its presence is ideal for enriching a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, a library, or an art gallery. The elegance of the display supports emphasizes its exhibit value, making it a focal point in any environment and a fascinating fragment of natural history to admire and study.

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

Decorative mineralogical specimen with wooden and brass base — This lot features a sculpture with striking visual impact, carved from a solid block of Malachite and Chrysocolla originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The specimen has been expertly smoothed and polished to reveal its complex internal structure and vibrant polychromy, then mounted on an elegant dark wood and satin-brass customized base, transforming it into a piece of natural art. The mineral’s organic, free-form shape evokes an abstract landscape, where shades of green and blue merge in a chromatic harmony of rare beauty. Upon close inspection, one is drawn to the glassy, reflective surface that accentuates every minute detail. Malachite manifests in its iconic tones of green, ranging from brilliant emerald shades to deeper, almost black hues, arranged in concentric and sinuous bands. These growth lines sketch the characteristic botryoidal patterns, reminiscent of “eyes” or waves, testifying to the slow, progressive deposition of the mineral. In this verdant tapestry, Chrysocolla inserts itself with its distinctive blue-green color, creating patches and veining of a deep blue that offers a spectacular chromatic contrast. The workmanship respected the natural morphology of the mineral mass, resulting in a sculptural and fluid form. In some areas of the surface, small depressions or natural cavities (vugs) can be observed where crystallization is rougher, adding an element of three-dimensionality and authenticity to the piece. These minute natural imperfections, visible in the detailed photographs, are not defects but testimonies to the geological history of the specimen, recounting an environment rich in copper wherein these two secondary minerals formed simultaneously. Geologically speaking, Malachite (a hydrated copper carbonate) and Chrysocolla (a hydrated copper silicate) are secondary minerals that originate in the oxidation zones of primary copper ore bodies. Their coexistence, as in this specimen, indicates a complex hydrothermal process in which copper-rich fluids, carbon dioxide, and silica interacted with the host rocks. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most celebrated localities in the world for high-quality Malachite, and this piece represents an excellent aesthetic and scientific synthesis. This item transcends its classification as a simple mineral to become a sophisticated design element and a collectible object. Its presence is ideal for enriching a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, a library, or an art gallery. The elegance of the display supports emphasizes its exhibit value, making it a focal point in any environment and a fascinating fragment of natural history to admire and study.

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
Collector's Grade Malachite & Chrysocolla
Mineral form
Malachite with Chrysocolla
Supplement
Aesthetic Freeform Sculpture
Weight
437 g
Country of origin
DR Congo
Height
130 mm
Width
73 mm
Depth
50 mm
ItalyVerified
14359
Objects sold
98.32%
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.

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