19th century Italian hand-varved gilded angel wing with calcite crystals and sphalerite.
The angel wing was once part of a heavenly, angelic depiction in a historic church in Tuscany. The calcite crystal in 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 minerals are essentially deposited on the walls, floors, and ceiling of the geological caverns of the zinc mine. It is known for producing some of the most superb various examples of calcite, fluorite, and sphalerite with exceptionally large and sharp calcite clusters.
The elements are put together in a sculptural form - creating a historical yet contemporary work of art.
Size 19" high x 11" wide x 6" deep
