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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Superb Mookaite Jasper with Earthy Red and Golden-Yellow...
A precious polished Mookaite sphere, sourced from the ancient formations of Western Australia — This magnificent Mookaite sphere, finely smoothed, captures the geological and chromatic essence of Australian Earth. The glossy surface reflects a kaleidoscope of hues ranging from mustard yellow and deep gold to rich burgundy and brick red, creating organic and captivating patterns. The color transitions are fluid and artistic, with subtle veining that underscores its natural origin and the complex mineral inclusions. The spherical shape enhances the material’s intrinsic beauty, allowing the depth and three-dimensionality of its colors to be appreciated from every angle, making it an ideal piece for collectors and design enthusiasts. Mookaite, scientifically known as radiolarite, is a unique silicified sedimentary rock formed from ancient radiolarian skeletons, tiny single-celled marine organisms. In the Early Cretaceous, over a hundred million years ago, these organisms inhabited the oceans, and upon their death their silica shells settled on the seafloor, accumulating in sedimentary layers in the area now known as Mooka Creek in Western Australia. The slow silicification process, aided by the infiltration of groundwater rich in silica and minerals such as iron and manganese, transformed these sediments into a hard, durable rock, giving rise to the vibrant colors and characteristic patterns of Mookaite. The distinctive coloration of this Mookaite directly results from the presence of these metallic minerals. The golden and yellow tones often indicate iron oxides in various hydration states, while the deeper reds and burgundies are due to higher concentrations of hematite or other iron compounds. The intricate veining and superficial fractures visible on the specimen bear witness to its natural origin and the geological formation process. Mookaite is, in fact, a relatively fragile rock by nature, and such lines are intrinsic features that add character and authenticity, not defects but a story of its geological history. This sphere is not only a specimen of remarkable beauty but also a striking decorative object. Its glossy finish and warm colors make it perfect for enriching a modern living room, a professional studio, or a library. A symbol of Earth’s millennia-old history and its relentless ability to create natural works of art, Mookaite stands as a precious witness to geological processes and a magnificent addition to any mineral or natural history collection. Each Mookaite specimen is unique, and this sphere represents an exceptional opportunity to possess an authentic, vivid fragment of Australian geological heritage.
Estimate:£229.02
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£229.02
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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