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Vivid green botryoidal malachite with eye-like concentric...

Wood and Brass Stand — We present a mineral sculpture with a strong visual impact: a remarkable botryoidal Malachite section with Chrysocolla, originating from the rich deposits of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The specimen has been expertly polished on one face to reveal its hypnotic internal structure and mounted on an elegant custom base, turning it into a natural work of art. The dominant feature is the surface studded with concentric “eyes,” which give the piece a dynamic and almost organic depth. The main face of the specimen is a masterpiece of smoothing that highlights the botryoidal, or “grape cluster,” morphology typical of Malachite. Each spherical globe, once cut and polished, reveals a sequence of concentric rings that attest to its layered growth. The color palette ranges from a deep, velvety forest green to bands of bright emerald green, almost fluorescent. The mirror polish not only intensifies these colors but creates plays of light and reflections that animate the surface, inviting exploration of every detail. These patterns, reminiscent of eyes, footprints, or mysterious topographies, are the unmistakable signature of high-quality Malachite. The back of the specimen offers a different and complementary perspective. Here, Malachite presents in intimate association with Chrysocolla, another copper silicate with a characteristic color ranging from cyan to turquoise. This surface, less worked but still smooth to the touch, shows the coarser, more natural texture of the symbiosis between the two minerals. The swirls of green and blue create an abstract landscape that beautifully contrasts with the orderly geometric rings on the opposite side, telling the complex geological history of the piece. This specimen is a fascinating product of the oxidation processes that occur in copper deposits. Malachite is a hydrated copper carbonate that forms when waters rich in carbon dioxide percolate through rocks containing copper, depositing the mineral in cavities and fractures. The radial and fibrous growth of the crystals gives rise to the characteristic botryoidal shape. The concentric bands we observe result from tiny variations in the chemical composition of the aqueous solutions over thousands of years. The simultaneous presence of Chrysocolla indicates a shared formation environment, rich in copper and silica. For its size, the quality of the polishing, and the beauty of its patterns, this piece transcends a simple mineral specimen to become a genuine natural sculpture. It is an item destined to become the focal point of any setting, ideal for a professional studio, a library, an art gallery, or a contemporary interior. As a modern Wunderkammer object, it embodies the fascination with nature’s wonders, combining scientific precision with undeniable aesthetic power. The dark wood and brass base, custom-made, completes its presentation, giving it a museum-like elegance. Technical details Name: Botryoidal Malachite with Chrysocolla Classification: Mineral, Hydrated Copper Carbonate and Copper Silicate Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo Dimensions: 338 x 144 x 74 mm Weight: 3529 g Base: Wood and brass Treatments: Polishing
Estimate:£669.74
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical
Estimate:
£669.74
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