An agate sphere, | Christie's

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Brazilian Agates No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate or chalcedony quartz, forming in concentric layers in a wide variety of colours and textures. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in host rock. As a result, agate is often found as a round nodule, with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk. The bands sometimes look like eyes, sometimes fanciful scallops, or even a landscape with dendrite trees. Agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet in ancient times. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fevers. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Collecting agate bowls became common among European royalty during the Renaissance and many museums in Europe, including the Louvre have spectacular examples. The mining of agate in the Nahe River Valley in Germany which was already documented in 1497 gave rise to the cutting centre of Idar-Oberstein. Originally the river was used to power the grinding wheels. When the agate deposits were exhausted in the nineteenth century, Idar cutters started to develop the agate deposits of Brazil, which also sparked exploration and discovery of Brazil's rich deposits of gemstones.

An agate sphere,

Details

An agate sphere,
Brazil -- 18.4cm. (7¼in.) dia., 7.6kg turned black marble plinth base

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

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