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Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Large Brecciated Opal Rare Mineral Formation from...
Madagascar Opal - Natural Free Form — An impressive specimen of brecciated opal from Madagascar, worked in a free-form sculptural shape that emphasizes its complex geological history and its evocative color palette. The substantial mass and glossy finish transform this mineral specimen into an authentic object of natural art, a conversation piece capable of capturing attention in any setting, from a contemporary Wunderkammer to a design interior. Careful observation reveals the brecciated nature of the specimen. Angular fragments of common opal, with hues ranging from creamy white to straw yellow, appear as "clasts" suspended and cemented by a darker matrix. This texture is traversed by a dense network of fine veins, a visual testimony to the primordial fractures that gave rise to the breccia. The surface, masterfully polished over most of the piece, possesses a vitreous luster that permits appreciating the slight translucency of the opal, revealing depth and internal color variations. The hematite inclusions are the chromatic heart of the piece, painting the matrix with bold strokes of red, burnt orange, and brown, in vibrant contrast with the lighter tones of the opal. One face of the specimen has been deliberately left in a rougher state, offering a fascinating view of its internal structure. Here, the surface is not polished but drusy, with a microcrystallization that glitters and covers the walls of a natural cavity. This section with a more "rustic" appearance creates a powerful dialogue with the polished parts, showing the mineral in two states: the original, nature-forged, and the one interpreted by the hand of man. The colors in this zone are darker and earthier, dominated by browns and ferruginous reds of the hematite. The formation of such brecciated opal tells a geological story of breaking and subsequent "healing." Opal, a hydrated amorphous silica dioxide, initially deposited within fissures and cavities of volcanic rocks. Subsequently, powerful tectonic or hydrothermal events fractured the opal mass. In a later phase, silica-rich fluids and other minerals, in this case iron oxides (hematite), percolated through the fractures, acting as natural cement, sealing the fragments and creating the fascinating mosaic we admire today. This specimen is not only a collectible for mineral enthusiasts but also an exceptional decorative element. Its monumental dimensions, significant weight, and free and elegant shape make it a focal point on a bookshelf, on a sideboard, or in a professional study. It is a piece that encapsulates the dynamic beauty of Earth's processes, a fragment of natural history transformed into a timeless sculpture, perfect for those who appreciate the intersection of science, nature, and design. Technical details Name: Brecciated Opal with Hematite Provenience: Madagascar Dimensions: 306 x 175 x 73 mm Weight: 6470 g Conditions: Good
Estimate:$1,012.7
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$1,012.7
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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