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Very rare sizes

Very rare sizes

Rare Premium Malachite Egg with Natural Chrysocolla Veins — This lot presents an ovoid sculpture of monumental dimensions, a specimen of extraordinary scenographic presence carved from a single, massive block of Malachite sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a weight over 7 kilograms and a height of over 20 centimeters, this piece asserts itself not only by its size but above all by the exceptional quality of the mineral and craftsmanship. The surface, mirror-polished impeccably, reveals an universe of natural designs that captivate the eye and tell a geological story spanning millions of years. Detailed observation of the specimen reveals a complex mineral topography. Malachite manifests in all its expressiveness, with botryoidal (grape-like) patterns that generate orbital formations, the so-called "eyes", perfectly delineated concentric circles that seem to float in a sea of serpentine bands. The color range of green is very rich: ranging from bright emerald-like tones to deep and velvety forest greens, creating a hypnotic visual dynamism. To further embellish the composition, chrysocolla veins and areas are inserted, a copper silicate that introduces strokes of blue and turquoise. This contrast not only enriches the palette but highlights the simultaneous formation of the two minerals. In some points, small druzy cavities reveal sparkling micro-crystals, testament to the genuine and natural structure of the original block. Geologically, this egg is a three-dimensional section of the oxidation zone of a copper deposit. Malachite (copper carbonate) and Chrysocolla (copper silicate) are secondary minerals, formed through the slow percolation of copper-rich waters through preexisting rocks. Each layer, each band of color, represents a depositional episode, a variation in the chemical-physical conditions of the environment. The botryoidal shape arises from radial growth of the crystals around a nucleus, layer by layer, a process that required a geologically long time. The choice of egg shape is not incidental. A universal symbol of genesis, perfection and the cosmos, it lends itself magnificently to valorizing the concentric and fluid designs of malachite, offering a continuous surface with no edges on which the eye can glide freely. The lapidary work required to obtain such a perfect form from a block of such size, preserving its integrity, testifies to a very high level of artisanal craftsmanship. It is an object that fuses the wonder of nature with human ingenuity. This specimen represents a piece of great significance, destined to become the centerpiece of a prestigious mineral collection, a modern Wunderkammer element or a natural art object for luxury interior design. Its imposing presence, the saturation of colors and the complexity of the patterns make it a unique display piece, capable of dialoguing with classical and contemporary spaces, carrying with it the timeless elegance of the history of our planet. **Dettagli tecnici** Nome: Uovo in Malachite con Crisocolla Classificazione: Minerale lavorato (Carbonato idrato di rame con Silicato di rame) Provenienza: Repubblica Democratica del Congo Dimensioni: 203 x 168 x 168 mm Peso: 7367 g

Estimate:$4,481.77

To the auction

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographic

Estimate:

$4,481.77

To the auction

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