Very rare sizes

Rare Premium Malachite Egg with Natural Chrysocolla Veins — This lot features a monumental oval sculpture, a piece of extraordinary stage presence carved from a single, massive block of malachite sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Weighing over 7 kilograms and standing over 20 centimeters tall, this piece commands attention not only for its size but especially for the exceptional quality of the mineral and workmanship. The surface, impeccably mirror-polished, reveals a universe of natural designs that captivate the eye and tell a geological story spanning millions of years. A detailed observation of the specimen unveils a complex mineral topography. Malachite expresses itself in all its exuberance, with botryoidal (grape-like) patterns generating orbicular formations, the so-called “eyes,” perfectly delineated concentric circles that seem to float in a sea of serpentine bands. The green color range is richly varied: from bright emerald-like tones to deep, velvety forest greens, creating hypnotic visual dynamism. To further enrich the composition, veins and areas of chrysocolla, a copper silicate, introduce strokes of blue and turquoise. This contrast not only enriches the palette but highlights the simultaneous formation of the two minerals. In some areas, small drusy cavities reveal sparkling micro-crystals, evidence of the authentic and natural structure of the original block. From a geological perspective, this egg is a three-dimensional cross-section of the oxidation zone of a copper ore 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 crystals around a core, layer by layer, a process that required 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 enhancing the concentric and fluid designs of malachite, offering a continuous, edge-free surface on which the eye can roam freely. The lapidary work required to achieve such a perfect form from a block of this size, preserving its integrity, testifies to a very high level of 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 fine mineral collection, a modern Wunderkammer item, or a natural art piece for luxurious 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 both classical and contemporary spaces, carrying with it the timeless elegance of Earth's history. Technical details Name: Malachite Egg with Chrysocolla Classification: Worked mineral (Copper carbonate hydroxide with copper silicate) Provenance: Democratic Republic of the Congo Dimensions: 203 x 168 x 168 mm Weight: 7367 g

Estimation:€4,000

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