18th century Italian vase with a calcite crystal cluster in matrix with sphalerite.
This fragment is from a church in Florence. It was found and saved from the historic flooding of the Arno River in 1966.
The calcite crystal cluster with sphalerite is from Elmwood Mine in Tennessee. It is an example of the world’s finest crystallized calcite. With the unusual formation of sphalerite, it is unequaled by those from any other part of the world (featured in American Mineral Treasures, pg. 337). These minerals are formed from the chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate and zinc.
The story and history of this piece and Interi's collection of Florence fragments, in particular, are very interesting. While many fragments are distressed due to age, these Florence fragments in particular stand apart. They symbolize a history that has been carried through the streets of Italy, to an Italian palazzo where they were collected, to the Interi studio, to now the modern home or gallery.
Size: 10.5" high x 3.5" round
