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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Heart of pyrite with druzy crystals
A refined heart carved from a block of Peruvian pyrite with a polished surface and crystalline geode. — This unique specimen captures attention with its fascinating duality: a heart-shaped form carved from natural pyrite from Peru, offering an extraordinary combination of finely polished surfaces and sparkling crystal cavities. The artistry of the carving has highlighted the mineral's intrinsic nature, creating a decorative and collectible object with strong visual impact. On one side, the piece features a smooth surface that reveals the metal density and compactness of pyrite, with its characteristic golden hues that can recall ancient bronze or unrefined gold. This polishing enhances the mineral's sub-metallic luster, producing a mirrored effect that catches the light in an elegant and sober way. Natural inclusions and surface texture variations visible on the polished face attest to the authenticity and geological origin of the specimen. On the other side, the heart opens into a surprising druse of cubic pyrite crystals, forming a natural cavity of intense sparkle. These crystals, often with well-defined cube or cuboctahedral shapes, reflect light with a vivid, almost hypnotic glow, providing a dynamic contrast with the smooth surfaces. This feature makes each specimen absolutely unique, a true mineral geode embedded in a gracefully sculpted form. Pyrite, iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS₂, has been known since ancient times for its appearance that misled gold seekers, earning it the nickname “fool’s gold.” Yet its geological value and aesthetic beauty are indisputable. It forms in a variety of geological environments, often in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, through hydrothermal or sedimentary processes. Its crystal structure and metallic luster are the result of millions of years of specific geological conditions. This pyrite heart is not only a beautiful decorative object but also an intriguing piece for any mineral collector or for those who appreciate the art of stone working. Its combination of natural elements and artisanal craftsmanship makes it an ideal addition to a natural history collection, a design element for contemporary interiors, or a display piece in a modern Wunderkammer, capable of arousing curiosity and admiration.
Estimate:$422.22
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$422.22
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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