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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographical / Vibrant Malachite with Chrysocolla Aesthetic Freeform...
Decorative mineralogical specimen mounted on a wooden and brass base — This lot presents a sculpture of remarkable visual impact, carved from a solid block of Malachite and Chrysocolla originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The specimen has been expertly ground and polished to reveal its complex internal structure and vibrant polychromy, then mounted on an elegant custom dark wood and satin brass base, transforming it into a natural art object. The mineral's organic, free-form shape evokes an abstract landscape, where shades of green and blue blend in a chromatic harmony of rare beauty. Upon close inspection, the piece captivates with a glassy, reflective surface that accentuates every minute detail. Malachite appears in its iconic green hues, ranging from bright emerald tones to deeper, almost black shades, arranged in concentric and sinuous bands. These growth lines trace the characteristic botryoidal patterns, reminiscent of “eyes” or waves, bearing witness to the slow, progressive deposition of the mineral. In this green tapestry sits Chrysocolla, with its distinctive blue-cyan color, creating blotches and veining of an intense blue, offering a spectacular chromatic contrast. The work has 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 close-up photographs, are not defects but testimonies of the sample’s geological history, telling of a copper-rich environment in which these two secondary minerals formed simultaneously. Geologically, Malachite (a hydrated copper carbonate) and Chrysocolla (a hydrated copper silicate) are secondary minerals that originate in the oxidation zones of primary copper ore deposits. Their coexistence, as in this specimen, indicates a complex hydrothermal process in which copper-rich fluids, carbon dioxide, and silica interacted with the enclosing rocks. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the world’s most renowned localities for high-quality Malachite, and this specimen represents an excellent aesthetic and scientific synthesis. This piece 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 support underscores its display value, making it a focal point in any environment and a fascinating fragment of natural history to admire and study. Technical details Name: Malachite and Chrysocolla Polish-Lapidated Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo Dimensions: 190 x 95 x 75 mm (specimen) Weight: 1365 g (specimen) Base: Wood and brass Treatments: Polishing
Estimate:£424.71
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£424.71
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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