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All auctions / Ethnographic / Graphic Black Tourmaline in Contrasting Quartz A stunning...


Large Sphere of Graphic Tourmalinated Quartz — A sphere of considerable size is presented, expertly worked from a block of tourmalinated quartz sourced from India. This specimen stands out for its complex and fascinating internal texture, a geological microcosm enclosed in a perfect geometric form. The chromatic alternation between the absolute black of tourmaline and the light tones of quartz creates an immediate visual impact, transforming the object into a natural history piece with strong sculptural character. The surface, perfectly polished to a mirror finish, highlights the richness of the mineralogical details. The structure appears as an intricate natural breccia, where innumerable crystals of black tourmaline (schorl variety), with angular and fragmented outlines, are immersed and cemented in a quartz matrix. The latter ranges from translucent gray to almost opaque white, suggesting the possible presence of associated feldspar. The result is a dense and dynamic mosaic, a graphic pattern covering the entire sphere without interruption. On close inspection, delicate veins and orange-rust colored spots are also evident, probably due to iron oxidations, which add a touch of warmth to the dominant black-and-white contrast. The genesis of this mineral aggregation dates back to pegmatitic geological processes. Under high pressure and temperature, within ore veins rich in silica and boron, tourmaline and quartz crystallized simultaneously or in rapid succession. The “graphic” or “mosaic” texture bears witness to relatively rapid cooling that “froze” the crystals in this chaotic yet harmonious arrangement. Each black fragment is not a casual inclusion, but part of an interconnected system that tells the turbulent story of its formation deep within the Earth's crust. The sphere shaping allows appreciation of this three-dimensional structure from every angle, offering a complete view of its internal volume. Beyond its undeniable mineralogical interest, this sphere represents a superb collectible object and a piece of high refinement design. The spherical form, a symbol of completeness and perfection, beautifully dialogues with the natural irregularity of the internal pattern. It is an ideal piece to enrich a contemporary Wunderkammer, a professional studio, a library, or as a focal point in a minimalist environment, where its chromatic contrast and material complexity can be fully appreciated. More than a simply worked mineral, it is a natural sculpture inviting contemplation, a fragment of Earth's primordial chaos ordered by human hand. Technical details Name: Tourmalinated Quartz Sphere Classification: Mineral (Aggregates of tectosilicate and cyclosilicate) Provenance: India Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 80 mm Weight: 773 g Material: Quartz with Black Tourmaline inclusions (Schorl) Conditions: Natural specimen worked and polished into a sphere. Treatments: Exclusively mechanical cutting and polishing.
Estimate:$223.19
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$223.19
VETTAR, 3 stycken, sjöfåglar, Kanada/USA, 1900-talets första hälft.
10/12/2026
$200.71
Est: $200.01
VAS, koppar, jugend, omärkt, 1900-talets början.
10/12/2026
$180.64
Est: $150.01
LISA LARSON (1931-2024), figurin, "Nord", ur serien All världens barn
10/11/2026

$49.81
Est: $60

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