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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / Pyrite Heart with Crystal Druses Carved Heart from...
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 sourced from Peru, offering an extraordinary combination of finely polished surfaces and sparkling crystalline cavities. The artistry of the carving has highlighted the mineral’s intrinsic nature, creating a decorative and collectible object with striking visual impact. On one side, the piece presents a smooth surface that reveals the density and metallic heft of pyrite, with its typical golden hues that can recall ancient bronze or unrefined gold. This polish enhances the sub-metallic luster of the mineral, producing a mirrored effect that catches the light in an elegant and restrained way. The natural inclusions and texture variations visible on the polished surface attest to the piece’s authenticity and geological origin. 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 cubic or cuboctahedral shapes, reflect light with a vivid, almost hypnotic glow, offering a dynamic contrast with the smooth surfaces. This feature makes each specimen absolutely unique, a true mineral geode embedded in an elegantly sculpted form. Pyrite, iron sulfide with the chemical formula FeS₂, has been known since ancient times for its appearance that fooled gold-seekers, earning it the nickname “fools’ gold.” Yet its geological value and aesthetic beauty are undeniable. It forms in a variety of geological environments, often in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks, through hydrothermal or sedimentary processes. Its crystalline 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 artisan craftsmanship makes it an ideal addition to a natural history collection, a design element for contemporary interiors, or an exhibit piece in a modern Wunderkammer, capable of stimulating curiosity and admiration.
Estimate:$420.16
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Estimate:
$420.16
OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
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$836.98
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
