
NOV 8 | 1:00 PM

All auctions / Ethnographic / Exceptional Quality Labradorite Displaying - Vivid...


Impressive free-form 14.5 kg piece from Madagascar, polished to accentuate its reflections — Monumental Labradorite slab in free form, sourced from the rich deposits of Madagascar. With a substantial weight of 14.5 kg and imposing dimensions, this specimen is a true natural sculpture, whose main surface has been masterfully polished to reveal in all its magnificence the optical phenomenon that makes this mineral famous: labradorescence. Direct observation of the piece reveals an incredible dance of colors that comes alive under light. The smooth surface acts as a canvas on which broad swaths of deep electric blue and vibrant tones manifest. Depending on the angle of light incidence, these cerulean shades transform, bringing forth flashes of gold, bronze, and sometimes green, creating a hypnotic visual effect reminiscent of an aurora borealis captured in stone. The mineral’s internal structure is visible through a dense network of cleavage lines and natural fractures, which are not defects but testimony to the genuine geological history of the crystal, adding depth and character to its aesthetics. The phenomenon of labradorescence, also known as the Schiller effect, is not due to a pigment but to a light interference that diffracts through the lamellar microstructures twined within the plagioclase feldspar. This optical peculiarity makes each specimen unique. The quality of this Labradorite is remarkable, not only for the intensity of color but also for the extent of the surface displaying the chromatic play, testifying to a block of excellent rough material and to careful work to maximize its visual potential. For its size and spectacular beauty, this specimen sits between a high-level mineralogical collector’s piece and a luxury design object. It is an item destined to become the focal point of any setting, be it a professional studio, an art gallery, a library or a contemporary living room. Its presence is powerful yet elegant, a fragment of Earth’s history transformed into a work of art that invites contemplation and inspires wonder, perfect for enriching a modern Wunderkammer or a collection of natural history objects. Technical details Name: Labradorite Classification: Tettosilicate, Plagioclase Feldspar Provenance: Madagascar Dimensions: 350 x 330 x 100 mm Weight: 14500 g Conditions: Good, with natural structural features. One face polished to a mirror finish. The edges and back have been left raw to highlight the material contrast.
Estimate:$1,904.39
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$1,904.39

NOV 8 | 1:00 PM

OCT 31 | 4:00 PM

OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed now