Red and Orange Moroccan Agate Slice - Nodule Slice...

An Igneous-Color Mineral Landscape — This imposing slice of polychrome agate from the Kerrouchen deposits in Morocco represents an exceptional example of geological art. Mounted on an elegant custom base, the specimen rises like a natural sculpture, revealing a polished surface that catches the eye with a palette of intense and vibrant colors, testimony to the Triassic volcanic processes that gave rise to these famous formations. Observing the surface is a journey into an abstract mineral landscape. Igneous tones, ranging from crimson red to saturated orange and saffron yellow, dominate the composition, creating a visual effect reminiscent of a solidified flame. These color areas, due to the rich presence of iron oxides, are interrupted by delicate bands and by "windows" of translucent chalcedony and crystalline quartz. Here, the color softens, giving way to swirls of milky white and pearl gray that form intricate concentric geometries and sparkling cavities, adding depth and contrast to the whole. The history of this agate begins over 200 million years ago, during the Triassic period, when volcanic activity shaped the region of the present Moroccan Atlas. Within the cooling basalt rocks, vesicles formed due to trapped gases. Over geological eras, groundwater rich in silica (SiO₂) slowly filtrated through these cavities. The gradual, cyclic deposition of microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony), enriched by various trace elements such as hematite and goethite, built layer upon layer the complex bands and colors we admire today. The specimen was expertly cut from a rough nodule to expose its incredible inner world. The mirror-polished face of the main surface enhances the glassy luster of quartz and the saturation of colors, while the outer edge was left natural. This rough, rugged crust, the original "skin" of the nodule, offers a fascinating tactile and visual contrast, telling the story of its extraction. Mounting on a black wooden base with an brass support transforms the mineral into an display object, balancing its organic form with a sober and modern design. For its notable size and exceptional color quality, this piece stands as a highly interesting element for both a mineral collector and an interior designer. It is a fragment of Earth's history that assumes the value of a unique artwork, capable of dialoguing with classical and contemporary environments. Ideal for enriching a Wunderkammer or a study, this specimen is not merely a mineral, but a focal decorative piece of rare beauty and expressive power. Technical details Name: Multicolor Agate Origin: Kerrouchen, Morocco Dimensions (including stand): 277 x 103 x 100 mm Weight (including stand): 1800 g Base: Wood and brass Finishing: Nodule slice with a polished face and natural edge

估價:$1,009.55

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