Overview
A hand-polished geological specimen crafted from microcrystalline quartz, showcasing a warm palette of amber, honey, and burnt orange.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A hand-polished geological specimen crafted from microcrystalline quartz, showcasing a warm palette of amber, honey, and burnt orange.
Story
Silica-rich fluids settled into the hollow cavities of volcanic rock millions of years ago, slowly hardening into the solid mass you see here. This specific stone was likely harvested from a riverbed or a deep quarry before being brought to a lapidary workshop to be transformed.
Maker / Origin
While the individual lapidary artist is unknown, this piece represents the global tradition of stone-cutting found in mineral-rich regions like the Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.
Condition & Value
The sphere shows several significant surface chips and a prominent vertical fracture line, likely from a drop or rough handling. These 'bruises' are common in softer or more brittle stones but do reduce the value by approximately 40-50% compared to a museum-grade specimen.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375