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All auctions / Ethnographical / High-Quality Labradorite Sphere with Intense Blue-Green...
The Planet of Light - Natural Intense Labradorescence — We present a magnificent, notably large Labradorite sphere, sourced from the rich deposits of Madagascar. This specimen, worked and polished with masterful skill to achieve a perfect spherical shape, stands out for its substantial weight and, above all, for the intensity of its optical phenomenon. The labradorescence that animates its surface transforms the mineral into a dynamic object, a true celestial globe captured in stone. At first glance, the sphere presents a dark gray-green mass, pierced by a dense network of fractures and natural planes of cleavage, creating a complex and fascinating pattern, almost an internal geological map. It is only when you rotate the specimen under light that its true nature reveals itself: sudden, shifting flashes of color, from electric blue to peacock green and azure, dance across the smooth surface. This play of light, known as labradorescence or the Schiller effect, is not a superficial pigment but an optical interference that emerges from the depths of the crystal structure. The polish is impeccable and allows every reflection to be savored without distraction. Some darker, opaque areas can be observed, a testament to the heterogeneous composition of the host rock, which does not diminish the piece’s value but rather attests to its natural authenticity. Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar, a tectosilicate mineral whose peculiarity lies in its internal lamellar structure of sub-microscopic thickness (poly-synthetic twinning). When light passes through these ultra-thin layers, it is split and reflected at specific wavelengths, generating the iridescent colors we admire. The intensity and color range depend on the orientation and thickness of these lamellae. Working a large block of raw Labradorite into a sphere is a technical challenge that requires identifying the best orientation to maximize the optical phenomenon across the entire curved surface. Madagascar is one of the most famous localities for high-quality Labradorite, globally appreciated for the vibrancy of its colors. A specimen of this size (almost 16 cm in diameter and over 5 kg in weight) with such widespread and intense labradorescence represents a piece of considerable value on the market. It is an object that not only documents a fascinating geological phenomenon but also possesses extraordinary visual and aesthetic impact. This sphere is an item destined to become the focal point of any setting. Its pure geometric shape, coupled with the mineral’s shifting magic, makes it a refined interior accessory, ideal for professional studios, libraries, or contemporary design interiors. For the mineral collector, it represents a premium specimen that magnificently exemplifies the optical properties of feldspars. As a piece for a modern Wunderkammer, it embodies the link between natural science, beauty, and art. Technical details Name: Labradorite Classification: Mineral, Tectosilicate (Plagioclase Feldspar) Provenance: Madagascar Dimensions: 155 x 155 x 155 mm Weight: 5181 g Material: Natural mineral worked Conditions: Good, with intrinsic natural features such as visible internal fractures.
Estimate:£764.48
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Estimate:
£764.48
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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