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All auctions / Ethnographic / Unakite Sphere with a Mosaic of Green Epidote and Pink...
Pink Feldspar, Green Epidote, and Quartz — This lot features a superb Unakite sphere, sourced from the rich Madagascar deposits. The specimen has been masterfully worked and mirror-polished to achieve a perfect spherical form, one of the most refined expressions of lapidary art. The sphere stands out for its substantial specific gravity and dimensions, giving it a striking presence. More than a mere mineral specimen, this object represents a meeting point between the power of geology and the elegance of design, a fragment of Earth's history transformed into sculpture. Direct observation of the surface reveals a fascinating chromatic mosaic typical of Unakite. Patches of intense pistachio green, due to the presence of epidote, alternate with warm pink-rose tones of orthoclase feldspar. Binding these two dominant colors is the quartz, present in veins and translucent areas of smoky gray or milky white, which adds depth and complexity to the texture. The impeccable polish enhances the glassy luster of each individual crystal, allowing light to penetrate and play with the different mineral components. Rotating the sphere in the hands gives the sensation of exploring a small planet, with geologic landscapes continually evolving and unfolding at every new angle. From a scientific standpoint, Unakite is not a single mineral, but a metamorphic rock, specifically altered granite. Its formation results from a geological process called metasomatism, during which hydrothermal fluids modified the chemical composition of the original granite. The plagioclase feldspar was transformed into epidote, giving rise to the characteristic green color, while orthoclase feldspar and quartz, more resistant to alteration, retained their structure, creating this extraordinary assemblage. The name 'Unakite' derives from the Unaka Mountains in North Carolina (USA), where it was first discovered, but today high-quality specimens like this also come from other parts of the world, including Madagascar. The spherical form is rich in symbolic meanings and collectible value. Considered an emblem of perfection, unity, and wholeness, the sphere is a shape that has neither beginning nor end, allowing for continuous and immersive exploration of the material. Its creation requires notable artisanal skill to achieve a perfectly smooth surface and absolute geometric balance. This Unakite sphere thus becomes a quasi-contemplative instrument, an object inviting tactile and visual observation, revealing the hidden beauty within the rock. As a decorative element, this specimen is highly impactful. Its natural color palette, evoking mosses and rocks, fits harmoniously into both classical and modern contexts. It is an ideal piece to enrich a library, a study, or a living room, acting as a focal point that stimulates curiosity and conversation. For a mineral collector or a natural history enthusiast, it represents a precious addition to a contemporary Wunderkammer, combining the scientific allure of a metamorphic rock with the undeniable aesthetic value of a natural work of art. Technical details Name: Unakite Classification: Metamorphic rock (altered granite) Provenance: Madagascar Dimensions: 86 x 86 x 86 mm Weight: 920 g Conditions: Natural, sphere-cut and polished. Base not included.
Estimate:$168.78
To the auctionView all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic
Estimate:
$168.78
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
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